I have searched the archives and read many of the 531 posts in 97-98.  I
see that the effect of the epidural on suckling varies with the duration of
the drugs.  How long have you found the suck problem to persist?

My client recieved epidural meds for 5 1/2 hours.  Her baby is 5 days old
and is still having trouble with co-ordination of suckling. Mom has been
finger feeding and, beginning today, using a supplementer.  Baby "looks"
like she is suckling well and there is "audible swallow", but very little
milk transfer.

I was concerned about the firm finger for a prolonged period so I
recommended the supplementer.  The baby will latch, after a fashion, and
her suck is a bit stronger with the tube. And she likes to be there.

Do you have a feel for how long the effect will be?  Is it something else
entirely?

Patricia Gima, IBCLC
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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