Would this be because pitocin has been implicated in the recent rise in
cases of autism? I found this article to be interesting:

<<At the 2001 APPPAH conference, Dr. Lewis Mehl-Madrona explained a presumed
mechanism for the pitocin/epidural/autism connection.  Because the newborn
neurological system does not yet have the protective myelin layers around
the brain and nerves, they are inflamed by the bupivicaine used in epidural
anesthesia; it destabilizes the membranes of the developing brain..  When
pitocin is also used (either for induction or augmentation), this results in
greater exposure to the oxytocin family than would occur in a normal birth.
Because of the nerve inflammation, the nerves develop an adverse reaction to
the high levels of oxytocin . . . sort of an allergic reaction.  Later in
life, when the child responds to social situations by the normal production
of oxytocin, this serves as a trigger for the allergic reaction to oxytocin,
and the child develops an adverse response to social situations. >>
<<http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/brtrauma.html#Autism>>

Here's Henci Goer's take on pitocin/oxytocin:

<<But here's the catch: oxytocin produced naturally by the pituitary
circulates within the brain in the cerebrospinal fluid, but oxytocin cannot
cross the blood-brain barrier. This means that women get none of these
positive effects when synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin or "Pit"; Syntocinon or
"Synto") is given intravenously. This, of course, explains why women don't
like labors that are induced or augmented with oxytocin. They may get
stronger contractions but none of the beneficial mental effects that help
them tolerate them or feel good about themselves, the labor, or the baby. >>
<<http://www.lamaze.org/lamazeforums/messageview.cfm?catid=16&threadid=92>>

So, is it possible that the newborn who was induced without the benefit of
natural oxytocin was deprived of this hormone may not be receptive to it
later in life? Does oxytocin produced by the mother cross over to the baby's
brain? Does a baby whose labor is induced with synthetic oxytocin produce
oxytocin in his own brain, or does he require a natural boost from his
mother?

We have a tremendous level of autism around here. I know people are weary of
searching for answers, and there are many theories: 95% epidural rate, 90%
induction rate, high levels of toxins in our chemical soups they call air
and water

Best wishes,
Heather "Sam" Doak

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