Food for thought
I can't say that I have found this to be evident, but I shall certainly start watching out for it. Midwives have observed for a long time now that epidurals adversely affect the progess of labour and increase the need for intervention, and there has been evidence that the fentanyl does cross the placenta. Interesting to see if this research affects the advice by some antenatal class providers about the use of pethidine and it's effects on breastfeeding.
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mumof4 / Website (11.12.06 18:52) 4 births, 3 epidurals and breast fed all until 9-11 months. Never heard of this link before. |
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Bookwormom / Website (12.12.06 01:28) Similar to mumof4, I've three children. Epidurals with two and successfully breastfed them all. Perhaps it has more to do with motivation and persistance in the face of difficulties? I can't say that I feel this study was large enough to be widely applicable across the genral population of pregnant and breastfeeding women. |
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Jen (12.12.06 19:22) Not about pethidine - tho i had it as a mum in progress and hated it. ummm loathed the feeling of not being able to move without help - maybe just felt v groggy? this was 20 yrs ago..... now have 2 over 6ft boys who i think are rather good, both at uni...... sorry motherly thing happening more that i have been in situation where we lost nearly everything (ummm.... bar the cardboard boxes) thru shysters who don't pay bills. their actions placed a huge strain on the relationship. taking legal action won't help because the biggest debtors get paid off first. i hope it sorts out. sticvk with the red hair and be red haired - push - it's the way to make things happen. best of luck |
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midwifemuse / Website (13.12.06 13:04) Thanks Jen. Have to say that I'm busy trying to be upbeat whilst Hubby is getting really down, unusual for him so all the more worrying. |
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emily / Website (18.12.06 18:54) Part of me thinks that women who have had epis have a high risk of having a c-section. Those who ended up with a c-section might have ended up not breastfeeding because of their own pain with their scar (the baby resting on it). I also think those who do not have pain relief are more likely to be earth mothers who would breastfeed regardless of severe birth weight loss, mastitis, etc. I had pethidine with both births (8 hours and 5 hours long). The first baby was a 24 hour breastfeed experience (for many reasons) and the second four weeks. The difference in time between the two was down to two factors: I felt more at ease with a newborn and there was more help available to learn how to do it. This time around there was a birth unit within 10 mins drive and I was able to stay there for four days after the birth to get to grips with it. Sadly, feeding a 10 pound 10 baby with just breastmilk in the early days with no fast flowing milk supply wasn't enough for him and he really did struggle. I was feeding him for 40 mins each side and then a 4 oz bottle. I was stuck in a chair all day doing nothing but feeding and dealing with a 3 year old. Sometimes I think statistics can be used to prove any link. |