Hi Cheri!
 
First of all I want to thank everyone who contributed or commented on my post regarding research on epidurals and breastfeeding. There is a wealth of information out there. some the studies show effects, some show no effects, and some show that the effects can be overcome by good postpartum practices. 
 
In at least one of the studies the researchers isolated Fentenyl (used in many epidural "cocktails") in cord blood. I was most interested in this one because I have also heard it said that epidurals "don't get into the baby". (citation follows)
 
Placental transfer and neonatal effects of epidural sufentanil and fentanyl administered with bupivacaine during labor.Loftus JR ( http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Loftus%20JR%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=true&cauthor_uid=7631952 ), Hill H ( http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Hill%20H%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=true&cauthor_uid=7631952 ), Cohen SE ( http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Cohen%20SE%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=true&cauthor_uid=7631952 ).
 
Warmly,
 
Holly McSpadden, IBCLC
 
 
 
Holly McSpadden IBCLC
[log in to unmask]
(912) 350-8164
>>> "Cheri Kannarr, LLLL" <[log in to unmask]> 10/9/2012 3:57 PM >>>
I am a frequent reader but rarely post.  Appreciate all the wisdom on this site!

One question I have about epidural anesthesia that I have not seen addressed anywhere is whether any researchers have actually looked for traces of the medication in Mom's bloodstream and in baby's.  There are several studies showing poorer outcomes for breastfeeding after epidural, but the anesthesiologists continue to state that these medications do not pass to baby.  This is also what is expressed in the popular literature that I've read.  Are the breastfeeding outcomes causation or correlation?  So many other interventions occur in conjunction with epidurals (IV fluids immediately come to mind) that can impact breastfeeding.  Has any research looked at this?  

Thanks,

Cheri Kannarr, La Leche League of Davis, CA, USA

             ***********************************************

Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html
To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]
Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask]
COMMANDS:
1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail
2. To start it again: set lactnet mail
3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome


             ***********************************************

Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html
To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]
Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask]
COMMANDS:
1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail
2. To start it again: set lactnet mail
3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome