Tetanus immunization should cause no problems for a nursing mother.

Just a comment about labor pain:  there is a difference between pain and
suffering.  I view my painful labor with satisfaction because I did not
suffer--I had no fear, lots of support, and was thrilled with the result.
Culture has a tremendous influence on the expression of suffering.  I've
cared for immigrant Hmong women giving birth--we knew it was time to put
gloves on when they got beads of sweat on their foreheads as they never
expressed discomfort.  Suffering starts with anticipation of pain (all
those horror stories people are willing to share with prenant women), and
continues when other conflicts enter the birthing room.  I'll take a doula
over an epidural any day.  However, I do use epidurals for my patients who
are suffering in a way which is interfering with their ability to feel
good about the birth process, and in those who have needed intervention
such as pitocin and are having trouble tolerating it.  These are always
done with the mother's informed consent including information on the
possible effects on the baby and breastfeeding initiation.  Like all
technology, epidurals have a specific place--unfortunately, they (like
ABM) are used as a substitute rather than as an occasionally useful
supplement for the "right stuff", adequate labor support.

By the way, I have always assumed that my posts were available to be
shared with colleagues and mothers without my specific permission.  I
think it's important and courteous to ask permission and acknowledge a
source before using anything for a wider audience or in print.

 --
Anne Montgomery, M.D.
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Olympia, WA