Please help! I am going crazy trying to find a reference I know I have. It refers to epidurals blunting the release of oxytocin - especially the ocytocin surge as the baby is born. It also speaks to the fact that oxytocin (pitocin) given during labour does not have the same effect as mother's naturally produed oxytocin during birth. I think it was in a skin-to-skin article - the theory being that skin-to-skin contact is vital to encourage natural oxytocin release and it's obvious impact on bonding and breastfeeding. Many thanks Jean Ridler RN RM IBCLC South Africa [log in to unmask] *********************************************** Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html To reach list owners: [log in to unmask] Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask] COMMANDS: 1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail 2. To start it again: set lactnet mail 3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet 4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome