The Effect of Perceived Physician Opinion on Breastfeeding in Women with Opioid Use Disorder Who Are Receiving Medication-Assisted Treatment

Women who receive medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder (OUD) are less likely to breastfeed than the general population despite the many possible benefits to the newborn. The ongoing study examines the effect of perceived physician opinion on the outcome of breastfeeding in women receiving MAT for OUD. Women who were receiving MAT for OUD at Thomas Jefferson University’s Family Center were given a survey during their third trimester (n=45), and at 1 month postpartum (n=33) to gather information on the perceived opinion of their physicians on how they should feed their baby and the importance of those opinions. Information was also gathered on whether or not participants obtained information on breastfeeding from various healthcare professionals (doctor, nurse, or other). Descriptive statistics on our sample revealed that 48.5% of participants reported breastfeeding their child at some point. Results also showed that 73.3% reported obtaining information about breastfeeding from a health professional during their pregnancy. Additionally, 51.2% didn’t know or thought their OBGYN didn’t have an opinion on how their baby should be fed despite ­­­­­86.1% viewing their OBGYN’s opinion as somewhat or very important. For their child’s pediatrician, 42.8% didn’t know or thought the physician didn’t have an opinion with 86.5% viewing their opinion as somewhat or very important. Preliminary results of this ongoing study reveals that breastfeeding prevalence in women receiving MAT for OUD could be improved with increased intervention by physicians and improved perception of physicians’ opinions on how their infant should be fed