Environmental Benefits of Breastfeeding in the Natural Course of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Hormonal Changes on it

Hamidreza Mohammadi, Farzad Vafaei, Parnian Mousavifard, Parviz Yazdanpanah

Ekoloji, 2019, Issue 107, Pages: 525-531, Article No: e107024

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Abstract

Breastfeeding offers society not only improved health of children and mothers but also economic and environmental benefits. Breastfeeding does not waste scarce resources or create pollution. Breast milk is a naturally-renewable resource that requires no packaging, shipping, or disposal. The present study investigates how breastfeeding influences environment and mother health throughout the early parenting years. This research also compares natural course of the carpal tunnel syndrome during the first 6 months after delivery in women feeding their children using formula and breastfeeding mothers. This study was conducted in 50 pregnant women with symptoms and signs of CTS (carpal tunnel syndrome). After delivery and confirming the CTS, women were classified in two groups: breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding. Follow- up of clinical and electro diagnostic of women were done in first 6 months after delivery. Research findings indicated a positive and significant relationship between breastfeeding and environmental protection. Other findings showed that complete recovery in breastfeeding, non-breastfeeding and all women was 10.7%, 52.9% and 26.7% respectively. Partial recovery in breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding women was 71.4% and 47% respectively. Complete recovery in mild stage in breastfeeding, non-breastfeeding and all women was 22.2%, 57.1% and 33.3% respectively. Complete recovery in moderate and severe stages in all women was 23.3%. Rate of complete recovery to partial recovery in non-breastfeeding women was 1.7 times more than breastfeeding women. Findings of the study showed that relief of symptoms and reduction of severity of CTS and impact of hormonal and environmental changes on it, is higher in women who feed their children on formula than those who breastfeed their children. Pregnancy related CTS would not usually resolve after delivery and must be followed-up by clinical symptoms and electro diagnostic studies. Hormonal changes during lactation, repetitive motions, excessively flexed wrist positions, and maternal ecology effects during breastfeeding may be causing aggravated pregnancy related CTS after delivery.

Keywords

breastfeeding, environmental benefits, health effects, carpal tunnel syndrome, hormonal changes

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