If we delayed breastfeeding by one week for all newborns whose mothers had
received a "caine" drug we could virtually wipe out breastfeeding.  Only a
small percentage of women (even the ones who avoid the wonderful epidural with
marcaine) manage to avoid an episiotomy or tear which is repaired after a
local injection of zylocaine.
      Newborns nurse after mom has anesthesia, narcotics, antibiotics and
other meds in the early postpartum period.
       I guess a local anesthetic is okay for the epidural space or the
perineum but not for the mouth.  Oh please.

Nancy Imperiale,RNC,IBCLC
Dunedin, Fl