Post-Cesarean Pain Intensity and Breastfeeding Success Within the First 24 Hours Postpartum: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: The relationship between post-sectio caesarea pain levels and breastfeeding success within the first 24 hours postpartum is an important concern because postoperative pain may inhibit early breastfeeding. Mothers who undergo sectio caesarea often experience limited mobility, discomfort, and disruption of the milk ejection reflex due to pain. This study aimed to determine the relationship between post-sectio caesarea pain levels and breastfeeding success within the first 24 hours postpartum at Dharma Kerti Hospital, Tabanan, in 2026. Methods: This study used a quantitative analytic design with a cross-sectional approach. The sample consisted of 35 post-sectio caesarea mothers selected using a purposive sampling technique. Pain levels were measured using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), while breastfeeding success was assessed using the LATCH method. Data were analyzed using Fisher's Exact Test with a significance level of α < 0.05. Results: The results showed that most respondents experienced mild pain (48.6%), followed by moderate pain (37.1%) and severe pain (14.3%). A total of 85.7% of respondents successfully breastfed, while 14.3% were unsuccessful. Statistical analysis showed a significant relationship between post-sectio caesarea pain levels and breastfeeding success within the first 24 hours postpartum (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Higher pain levels were associated with an increased risk of breastfeeding failure.