In a message dated 7/25/03 12:05:48 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

> Rachel,
> If pitocin has a half life  merely three minutes, could you explain why
> pitocin
> causes edema in the mother for such a long period after the birth?  Maybe my
> understanding of "half life" isn't really understanding.
> Thanks,
> Kerri Bundy
>
>

Dear Friends:
     Pitocin moves fluid from the space inside blood vessels, into the
tissues, especially when it is given for a long time. It is given in IV fluid which
puts more fluid into a mother. It makes the uterus into a body pump. The
uterus is designed to contract so that the cervix will open, and then so that the
baby can move down the birth canal. The more forceful contractions stimulated
by Pitocin change how the uterus works, and broaden its power in the body.
     This is my speculation. What do you all think?
     warmly,
Nikki Lee RN, MS, Mother of 2, IBCLC, CIMI, CCE, craniosacral therapy
Adjunct faculty, Union Institute and University, Maternal and Child Health:
Lactation Consulting
Supporting the WHO Code and the Mother Friendly Childbirth Initiative

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