If a woman is given an epidural, no oxytocin is released in the brain and no
maternal behavior results.  A c-section mom may have a harder time breastfeeding
because of lack of oxytocin in the early days.  "The absence of the second phase
of labor [where there is a great release of oxytocin] and delayed skin-to-skin
contact contribute to this immature oxytocin pattern.  Women having had a
Cesarean section are less calm and interactive than those having had a vaginal
delivery.  This may be related to these different oxytocin patterns."

This is very interesting. Could this be a contributing factor for the seemingly
rising amount of children with breastfeeding difficulties in the early pp days?
Not only that the baby may be under the influence of maternal delivery
medications, but also that mom's milk will come less prompt and less abundant?
That would be another strong advice against medicalized birthing practices for
otherwise healthy labouring women.

Gonneke van Veldhuizen, IBCLC, living in Maaseik, Belgium
http://www.users.skynet.be/eurolac
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