Peg,
I don't know of any reason why artificial oxytocin (pitocin?) should cause
problems for a mother 5 days after birth. In the context that we've been
discussing, it is a theoretical concern for inhibiting lactogenesis if it
inadvertently induces edema.

My suspicion for your mom runs more along your original thoughts.....  first
to retained placental fragment, and then if methergine was indeed used,
possible inhibition from the drug (Hale comments that this drug is preferred
over ergonovine because it "does not inhibit lactation to the same degree"--
therefore it may inhibit some?).  Did mom's milk ever seem to come in? Is
she still bleeding? Did she ever have an ultrasound? Any past history of
reproductive issues at all?

Lisa Marasco IBCLC

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