Dear all,

Tow add my five cents worth about cytotec/misoprostal. I have had occasion
to use this drug for induction of labour and I can tell you from experience
that it is unpredictable. I use half the normal dose per vagina, and have
seen some horrible labours with it. Fortunately I have not had any major
problems.  Even if you discount the complications like ruptured uters etc,
about which there are now real concerns, I don't like what it does to the
women. It is almost physically abusive. There is a totally different quality
to the labour for the women, far too intense, not normal or good in my book.
My personal view is that if only in the interests of women centered care it
should be a big no. We have perfectly adequate induction drugs available,
just because misoprostol is cheaper it is not better.

With regard to lactation, none of the mothers I have worked with have had
any problems breastfeeding. I have not used it for PPH (thank heavens) but
from what I have seen of the drug my comfort level is not high enough to
discount any effect of the drug on lactation. I think it needs to be
researched.

Kind Regards

Mandy O'Reilly
nurse midwife
IBCLC

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