Hello there I just can't help myself.... I keep reading about the effects of epidurals in labour and breastfeeding, and the rate of epidurals in North America. I don't think New Zealand women are different physiologically to US women - .. but here we would have between 10 and 40% epidural rates, depending a lot on here you live and whether there is an anaethetist available for an on demand epidural. women hee use water, massage, heat, support, mobility, pethidine (demerol) sometimes, and nitrous oxide to help with labour pain. we also have about 97% initiation Bf rates, and about 60% (I think) some BF at 3 months. with regard to IVF or other fertility help and BF - it is only anedotal, but in my midwifery practice I do not note any relationship between Bf difficulties and IVF. Often, IVF is used for male infertility, so there may not be underlying hormonal issues anyway. Now, polycystic ovaries and low milk supply - yes, I do see a relationship - these women seem to have to work hard to get an OK supply. Just my 2 cents worth Fiona Hermann midwife, IBCLC Hamilton, NZ *********************************************** To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest) To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet All commands go to [log in to unmask] The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(R) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html