[Breast-feeding (part II): Lactation inhibition--Guidelines for clinical practice]

Abstract

Objective: Provide guidelines for clinical use of non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments of inhibition of lactation and the management of the weaning.

Materials and methods: Systematically review of the literature between 1972 and May 2015 from the databases Medline, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and the international recommendations about inhibition of lactation with establishment of levels of evidence (LE) and grades of recommendation.

Results: The available data on the effectiveness of non-pharmacological measures are limited, with very low levels of evidence that fail to make recommendations (Professional consensus). Pharmacological treatments for inhibition of lactation should not be given routinely to women who do not wish to breast-feed (Professional consensus). For women aware of the risks of pharmacological treatments of inhibition of lactation, lisuride and cabergolin are the preferred drugs (Professional consensus). Because of potentially serious adverse effects, bromocriptin is contraindicated in inhibiting lactation (Professional consensus). Available data on management of lactation weaning fail to provide recommendation and no treatment is recommended (Professional consensus).

Conclusion: Bromocriptin is contraindicated in the treatment of inhibiting lactation. Women who do not wish to breast-feed have to be informed of the benefits and disadvantages of the pharmacological treatment for inhibition of lactation.

Keywords: Allaitement maternel; Breast-feeding; Inhibition de la lactation; Inhibition of lactation; Sevrage; Weaning.