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Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Thu, 7 Feb 2002 08:34:33 +0000
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I think it would be very difficult to pick out epidurals as a cause
of low committment to bf.

If birth is essentially disempowering, if the right atmosphere is not
there, if the birth attendants are not woman-centred, and the mother
is neither encouraged, supported or even allowed to make choices
throughout, then two things might happen:

* she is more likely to want/expect/be given an epidural as a matter of course

* she is more likely to feel 'divorced' from the 'product' of her
labour ie the baby

So I would speculate that both phenomena are markers for the same
situation....they may be not cause and effect....especially if the
mother has no special expectations of breastfeeding.

I believe Rachel Myr has told us that the epidural rate is very high
in Norway, where everyone breastfeeds and expects to do so.  Seems to
make no difference there.

Something I would love to see researched is the therapeutic nature of
breastfeeding - I have met many women who have had a birth experience
they describe as 'sh*t' and who find learning to breastfeed can
restore them emotionally, and help them re-connect with their baby.

I also think an epidural *can* be given/offered in a woman-centred
birth experience.  Mothers can still be supported through their
labour, and feel involved, and make choices.

Heather Welford Neil
NCT bfc Newcastle upon Tyne UK

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