Linda has listed 2 recent studies showing what researchers are finding more  
frequently, which is the fentanyl being the culprit in adversely affecting  
infant sucking. In some of the studies that stated epidurals have no effect on  
breastfeeding, many of the mothers had access to and extensively used 
lactation  support services both in-hospital and after discharge. Epidurals are 
associated  with intrapartum fevers which usually wind up separating mother and 
baby,  delaying or interrupting breastfeeding from the start. Then when you add in 
the  side effects of epidurals, such as instrument delivery/vacuum 
extraction, more  impediments to breastfeeding become apparent. 
 
When looking at the effect of epidurals, we need to make sure we are  reading 
the entire study being referred to and are aware of the interventions  given 
to a mother to prevent unwanted side effects, and the side effects of the  
intervention!
 
Marsha Walker, RN, IBCLC
Weston, MA
 
 

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