In a message dated 6/8/99 12:59:27 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

> However, NB that the *private* replies I got mostly said, "Oh, I have such
>  sympathy, that's exactly what happened to me, nobody ever believes it, it
> was worse than labor and lasted two full weeks!

Well, here's a *public* response saying that!  My afterpains with my second
child were as strong as intermediate labor pains, but worse psychologically
because (a) I knew labor had a definite *end* and (b) in labor you're working
toward the reward of a baby; these pains just HURT with no endpoint or reward
in sight.

Let's not forget that many docs routinely give a shot of pitocin after
childbirth to assist in contracting the uterus.  That can only increase the
discomfort for a breastfeeding mom, as her natural oxytocin combines with the
synthetic one during those first nursings.

In a non-bfing mom it may be a good thing, but in a mom whose body will be
manufacturing its own oxytocin it's probably overkill.

Diane DiCarlo
LLLLeader
Brooklyn, NY

             ***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html