I have found only two common denominators: lots of IV Fluids in labor and pitocin. In CNM a table on the effects of medication in labor says pitocin can lead to fluid retention (citing the package insert). THe picture gets really jumbled because if the mom has an epidural then she is usually overhydrated before the epidural is started (Our Anest. Department says mom has to have 2 liters of IV fluid before they will start the epidural) The epidural slows labor and viola--out comes the pitocin more IV and ... (you get the picture 0) I recently worked with a mom whose areola were so edematous it looked like orange peel. (I posted about this mom and the use of an inverted nipple shield) 12 days post partum she finally got rid of the excess fluid and lost 18 pounds overnight. If I remember correctly, a gallon of water weights 8.2 pounds so her 18 lb loss is over two gallons of fluid in less than 8 hours! Her baby is finally latching on and nursing well without the shield. (not to mention how please she was to be able to put on her shoes) What worked for her was a combination of fresh watermelon and kelp pills both have diuretic properties. Marie Davis