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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
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Epidurals linked to breastfeeding problems - what do you think?
I saw this article and wondered what everyone thought about it?
Epidurals linked to breastfeeding problems
MONDAY, Dec. 11 (HealthDay News) — Women who receive an epidural during childbirth are more likely to have breastfeeding problems in the first week and to stop breastfeeding before the end of six months than women who don't receive an epidural, an Australian study says.
The study, published in the Dec. 11 International Breastfeeding Journal, included 1,280 women who gave birth between March 1997 and October 1997. Of the 416 (33 percent) women who had an epidural, 172 (41 percent) had a cesarean section.
Researchers found that 93 percent of the women in the study breastfed their baby in the first week after birth. However, women who had an epidural were significantly more likely to have difficulty breastfeeding during the first few days after delivery and to breastfeed less often than other women.
At 24 weeks, 72 percent of women who did not have an epidural were breastfeeding, compared with 53 percent who received pethidine or epidurals containing bupivacaine and fentanyl (an opioid).
The findings contribute to the growing body of evidence that the fentanyl component of epidurals may be associated with breastfeeding difficulties, the study authors said.
In an accompanying commentary, Sue Jordan, senior lecturer in applied therapeutics at Swansea University, said that the effect of opioids and epidurals on breastfeeding should be regarded as an "adverse drug reaction."
She called for "extra support to be offered to the most vulnerable women, to ensure that their infants are not disadvantaged by this hidden, but far-reaching, adverse drug reaction."
-- Robert Preidt, HealthDay News
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Posted 12/18/06 9:00 AM  |
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Woodsy
LIF Infant
Member since 6/05 241 total posts
Name:
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Re: Epidurals linked to breastfeeding problems - what do you think?
I saw this article. I don't know what to think.
I am not convinced that inability to BF or continue breastfeeding is an "adverse drug reaction" to epidurals. I had an epidural and BF for 10 months.
Some people/organizations are very anti-epidural and pro-natural birth. This study promotes that thinking and might make some women feel guilty for having an epidural. Personally, I could not imagine giving birth without an epidural. It was a lifesaver when I gave birth to a 9+ pounder!
I also think that the results of this study are not due to epidurals but due to "social" characteristics. My friends who wanted and had natural births were very pro-BF'ing, La Leche League types and BF for 1+ years. So, that sort of personality might just be more inclined to BF for longer and it would have nothing to do with whether the mother had an epidural.
In any event, IMO, whether to have an epidural or whether to BF are very personal decisions and you should not be made to feel guilty if you choose or don't choose either/both.
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| Posted 12/18/06 10:35 AM |
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KPtoys
I'm getting old
Member since 5/05 8688 total posts
Name:
Karen
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Re: Epidurals linked to breastfeeding problems - what do you think?
I know that when I had ketamine with my son my milk took a day longer to come in than it did with my daughter... I don't know if it was just my body or the drugs but Im sure the stuff they pump into your body could make BFing more difficult.
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| Posted 12/18/06 10:46 AM |
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yankinmanc
Happy Days!
Member since 8/05 18208 total posts
Name:
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Re: Epidurals linked to breastfeeding problems - what do you think?
I do think that is true. I had an epidural and my son couldn't latch on, it turned out that he had tongue tie, but I do think that the two are linked. For my next pregnancy, I am truly in conflict of what pain relief I would use.
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| Posted 12/18/06 10:47 AM |
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Calla
My girls
Member since 7/05 4303 total posts
Name:
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Re: Epidurals linked to breastfeeding problems - what do you think?
Posted by Woodsy
I also think that the results of this study are not due to epidurals but due to "social" characteristics. My friends who wanted and had natural births were very pro-BF'ing, La Leche League types and BF for 1+ years. So, that sort of personality might just be more inclined to BF for longer and it would have nothing to do with whether the mother had an epidural.
I totally agree that there is probably a correlation between women who refuse epidurals and willingness to do whatever it takes to breastfeed sucessfully. Natural birth is hard and painful, breastfeeding can be hard and painful as well. Women who get epidurals likely have lower pain thresholds and willingness to endure the difficulties.
That being said, I had an epidural and am still breastfeeding at 20 months. I'd get an epidural again the next time without any worries about it impacting my nursing.
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| Posted 12/18/06 11:17 AM |
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Stacey1403
Where it all began....
Member since 5/05 24065 total posts
Name:
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Re: Epidurals linked to breastfeeding problems - what do you think?
I had and epidural and a spinal, both my kids latched on like champs
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| Posted 12/18/06 12:29 PM |
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nferrandi
too excited for words
Member since 10/05 18538 total posts
Name:
Nicole
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Re: Epidurals linked to breastfeeding problems - what do you think?
I had an epidural and I've been BFing since day one. Luca will be 8 weeks on Thursday. My original plan was to BF for 3 months, but now I'm considering doing it for even longer.
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| Posted 12/18/06 12:34 PM |
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partyof6
b nice like u want ur kidz 2
Member since 7/06 7752 total posts
Name:
jeannine
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Re: Epidurals linked to breastfeeding problems - what do you think?
I had epis during both of my pregnancies and has issues breast feeding,.
My son dehydrated so bad he was in ICU.
So,,,if theres a link...whats my option when in March Im a mandatory c-section because my uterus will rupture>
i have to say...im tired of these articles making people feel inadequate. Sometimes u just do not have a choice.
My daughter was a emergency and I was knocked out with a gas mask...no choice there either.
Sometimes u just have to have it.
Someone explain to me why if u drink coffee they make u dump your milk but if u take demerol u can pump?
maybe thats the link.
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| Posted 12/18/06 12:41 PM |
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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: Epidurals linked to breastfeeding problems - what do you think?
Doubtful. I had an epidural and BF'd quite easily for 6 months.
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| Posted 12/18/06 1:34 PM |
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MrsSchwags
Soccer Baseball Lax Mom
Member since 10/05 11240 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: Epidurals linked to breastfeeding problems - what do you think?
I had an epidural and tried so hard to BF and gave up at about 3 weeks.
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| Posted 12/18/06 3:40 PM |
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sometimesmommy
Always in my heart.....
Member since 11/06 6686 total posts
Name:
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Re: Epidurals linked to breastfeeding problems - what do you think?
I had an EPI-emergency c-section too and BF fine for over a year. Infact DD woulndt take formula.
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| Posted 12/18/06 4:51 PM |
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WhatNow
Say Cheese!
Member since 1/06 8033 total posts
Name:
A (formerly WhatNow?)
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Re: Epidurals linked to breastfeeding problems - what do you think?
Posted by Calla
Posted by Woodsy
I also think that the results of this study are not due to epidurals but due to "social" characteristics. My friends who wanted and had natural births were very pro-BF'ing, La Leche League types and BF for 1+ years. So, that sort of personality might just be more inclined to BF for longer and it would have nothing to do with whether the mother had an epidural.
I totally agree that there is probably a correlation between women who refuse epidurals and willingness to do whatever it takes to breastfeed sucessfully. Natural birth is hard and painful, breastfeeding can be hard and painful as well. Women who get epidurals likely have lower pain thresholds and willingness to endure the difficulties.
I absolutely agree with this as well. In fact, it was the first this I though of when I started reading the article--this is a personality type connection rather that a medical conenction.
Having said that, I had epidural and very succesfully EBF for 13.5 months, so I guess it is not always the case.
I guess it depends on where you are willing to go the extra mile. I didn't feel the need to go through all the pain ( although I admire women who are willing to make that choice) when there are perfectly good drugs available to take the edge off and make things a little bit easier.
However, no way would I every give up on BF. It was the only way for me and I was willing to endure anything to be able to do this for my child.
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| Posted 12/18/06 5:19 PM |
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landj
After 4 years, 1000 posts!
Member since 7/06 1124 total posts
Name:
L
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Re: Epidurals linked to breastfeeding problems - what do you think?
Posted by Woodsy
I saw this article. I don't know what to think.
I am not convinced that inability to BF or continue breastfeeding is an "adverse drug reaction" to epidurals. I had an epidural and BF for 10 months.
Some people/organizations are very anti-epidural and pro-natural birth. This study promotes that thinking and might make some women feel guilty for having an epidural. Personally, I could not imagine giving birth without an epidural. It was a lifesaver when I gave birth to a 9+ pounder!
I also think that the results of this study are not due to epidurals but due to "social" characteristics. My friends who wanted and had natural births were very pro-BF'ing, La Leche League types and BF for 1+ years. So, that sort of personality might just be more inclined to BF for longer and it would have nothing to do with whether the mother had an epidural.
In any event, IMO, whether to have an epidural or whether to BF are very personal decisions and you should not be made to feel guilty if you choose or don't choose either/both.
Well said and I agree. It seems like a different article comes out every week that tries to make pregnant women feel scared and guilty about something, whether it be what they eat, drink, breathe, do, etc., how they give birth, and if they decide to breastfeed or not. I think it's awful that women are made to feel this way, especially when many of these decisions are so personal in nature.
So I hope no one lets articles like these prevent them from making decisions that they feel are best for them and their child. Even if researchers find that this study is 100 percent valid down the line, it is impossible to predict how each woman will feel during the actual birthing process, and what procedures they may need to have a safe and successful delivery.
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| Posted 12/18/06 6:06 PM |
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Karebaby
Precious
Member since 10/06 5304 total posts
Name:
Karyn
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Re: Epidurals linked to breastfeeding problems - what do you think?
I think its true. I saw a video when I did the maternity tour, and it gave statistics of babies born to mother with and without epidurals, and I remember thinking wow, what a differencce. Thats why I decided not to get one with DD, and she breastfed very well from day one.
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| Posted 12/18/06 6:07 PM |
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Kidsaplenty
Sister love
Member since 2/06 5971 total posts
Name:
Stephanie
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Re: Epidurals linked to breastfeeding problems - what do you think?
Posted by Calla
Posted by Woodsy
I also think that the results of this study are not due to epidurals but due to "social" characteristics. My friends who wanted and had natural births were very pro-BF'ing, La Leche League types and BF for 1+ years. So, that sort of personality might just be more inclined to BF for longer and it would have nothing to do with whether the mother had an epidural.
I totally agree that there is probably a correlation between women who refuse epidurals and willingness to do whatever it takes to breastfeed sucessfully. Natural birth is hard and painful, breastfeeding can be hard and painful as well. Women who get epidurals likely have lower pain thresholds and willingness to endure the difficulties.
That being said, I had an epidural and am still breastfeeding at 20 months. I'd get an epidural again the next time without any worries about it impacting my nursing.
ITA with this. I had an epidural with the first two and BF for over a year with each.
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| Posted 12/19/06 8:04 AM |
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