Strengthening Hospital to Home lactation care after caesarean birth: A scoping review

Abstract

To map the characteristics, components, delivery modes, outcomes, and evidence gaps of post-discharge lactation support after caesarean birth. Design: Scoping review with evidence mapping. Methods: The review followed the JBI approach and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). PubMed/MEDLINE and The Lens were searched from inception through July 2026, with backward and forward citation chasing. Eligible studies evaluated structured lactation support that remained active after discharge and reported caesarean-specific data. Two reviewers independently screened records. Randomised trials were appraised with RoB 2 and quasi-experimental studies with the revised JBI tool. Results: Of 1,250 records identified, 1,206 were screened and nine reports representing eight studies were included. Six studies were randomised trials and two were quasi-experimental. Repeated assessment, individualised problem solving, and responsive professional counselling showed the most consistent favourable patterns. Four randomised trials had high risk of bias. Conclusion: Post-discharge lactation support appears most promising when repeated, individualised, and responsive, but heterogeneity and methodological limitations preclude firm comparative-effectiveness conclusions.