Hi All-
I cannot resist weighing in on this thread, having just transferred to a
Level III hospital, after 10 years in a birth center where very few
interventions are practiced and no pain meds are used in labor.  The
difference in the feeding behaviors of the babies is DRAMATIC!  At the birth
center, one of the hats I wore was L&D nurse, so I got to see lots and lots
of babies feed after an unmedicated birth.  They basically come out and
start rooting within 10-15 minutes, and then feed intermittently for the
first 1-3 hours.  Here in the hospital I have seen more babies in one month
who are neurologically disorganized and having a tough time initiating
breastfeeds, than I would see in years at the birth center. In addition to
labor meds, I think inductions are a big problem.  A 37-38 weeker just does
not feed the same as a 40 weeker.  The other thing I am beginning to miss is
prenatal education, it really does make a huge difference.  As my co-worker
Molly says, "You go to childbirth classes for 6-8 weeks, and how long will
you be in labor?  You go to breastfeeding class for one evening, if you are
lucky, and how long will you be breastfeeding?"

Martha

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