Rachel and Heather have both discussed the use of epidurals in the last few
hours of labor and a lack of associated problems with the initiation of
breastfeeding.  What is the incidence of epidurals used for planned or
non-emergency cesareans (i.e., c-sections not preceded by prolonged labor)
being associated with breastfeeding difficulties?  My second c-section was
not preceded by labor and so I had a very brief epidural.  My daughter
latched on immediately after she was put in my arms, about 25 minutes after
she was delivered.  She stayed latched for 45 minutes on the first side and
nursed wonderfully after that.  Now, I am expecting c-section #3 in May.  I
have a lengthy, pro-bf birth plan written up (many ideas from Lactnet).  But
of course I have wondered about the possibility that the epidural will
somehow interfere with bf.   But perhaps this is a non-issue if the duration
of the epidural is the key.  Or maybe the specific anesthesia is more/just
as important (as Kathleen A's post on Fentanyl suggests).  What do others
think?

Sara Dodder Furr, LLL Leader
Lincoln, Nebraska in the middle of the USA

             ***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html