Supporting breastfeeding for women on opioid maintenance therapy: a systematic review

Objective: Despite evidence to support breastfeeding, rates remain low in women on opioid maintenance therapy (OMT). The goal of this review was to synthesize current knowledge regarding interventions to promote breastfeeding in women on OMT. Study design: A systematic search of databases including PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane database of systematic reviews was conducted. Key words included breastfeeding, lactation, opioid use disorder, and opioid maintenance therapy. Risk of bias was assessed by two reviewers. Result: Four quasi-experimental studies met inclusion criteria. Improved rates of breastfeeding reached statistical significance in all four. Three studies had moderate to serious risk of bias related to confounding variables. Interventions shared common features, including an integrated approach, a well-prepared multidisciplinary team, nonseparation of mother and newborn, and patient centered care. Conclusions: Further research should explore barriers and facilitators to breastfeeding in this vulnerable population.