Noelle,
We use intrathecals in our hospital and I have been looking for the problems
with nipple edema that has been discussed on lactnet. We dooooo have our
share of flat nipples and sleepy babies....they still get the drugs....but I
haven't observed the dramatic problems that the hospitals with epidurals
describe. This is not scientific of course, but usually intrathecals are
given in active labor (3-5 cm) and no bolus of fluids. The side affects of
intrathecals are a problem. Lots of nausea/vomiting/itching..but "drugs are
us" comes to the rescue and the moms love the intrathecals regardless, oh
well thats another story.
Linda Rosetti RN,IBCLC
Clarkston, Wa