LAUSR

breastfeeding Objective: This study aimed to compare rates of breastfeeding initiation and maintenance in women with epilepsy (WWE) with those of the general population and to identify factors affecting breastfeeding patterns in WWE. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data for the following variables in pregnant WWE (n = 102) and healthy women without epilepsy (n = 112): de-mographic characteristics (age, race, and ethnicity), epilepsy type (focal or generalized onset), anti-seizure medication(s), psychiatric comorbidities, postpartum seizure control, breastfeeding counseling, and lactation consultation. Fisher exact test and logistic regression analyses were performed to compare the rates of breastfeeding initiation and continuation in pregnant WWE with those of healthy pregnant women and to determine factors associated with rates of breastfeeding initiation and maintenance. Results: The rate of breastfeeding initiation in WWE was signi fi cantly lower than in healthy women without epilepsy (50.9% vs 87.6%), and WWE were less likely to maintain breastfeeding at 6 weeks (38.2%) and 3 months (36%) postpartum. Nearly half (53%) of WWE received antepartum breastfeeding counseling by their neurologists, and these women had higher odds of breastfeeding initiation and continuation (odds ratio [OR] = 2.53, 95% con fi dence interval [CI] = 1.14 – 5.72, P = .02). Postpartum consultation with a board-certi fi ed lactation consultant was associated