Lay summary
Women who birth by Caesarean section (CS) are more likely to experience issues with breastfeeding and their babies are at greater risk of breathing difficulties after birth. Antenatal corticosteroid (ANS) treatment is highly effective at reducing breathing difficulties in babies born preterm. Its use is being explored in other situations where there is an increased chance of breathing problems for babies after birth, such as following planned CS. Evidence of benefit in these situations is less clear.
Cortisol and cortisone are hormones involved in lactation and in regulation of behaviour, sleep and blood sugar levels. However, it is unclear whether ANS treatment can impact lactation and maternal and infant cortisol regulation. This research will explore whether ANS treatment for women undergoing planned CS may impact breastmilk composition and regulation of cortisol after birth. These findings will contribute to advance our knowledge of health outcomes following ANS treatment, improving healthcare delivery.