Jennifer, you wrote: < Recently, I have come across information (I believe this may have been discussed on LACTNET) that suggests that flattening of the nipples and swelling of the surrounding tissue may also be linked to epidurals. I have not yet found the source for this (anyone have it?). This would certainly explain the very large numbers of women who appeared to have flat nipples in the hospital.> My information and logic lead me to believe that the deliberate overhydration before the administration of epidurals to help avoid hypotension (abnormally low blood pressure) from the medications is probably what is responsible for the all-over-the-body swelling. I would like someone much more knowledgeable than I to explain whether it is the large amount of fluid itself that causes the swelling, or does the administration somehow interfere with ADH release and/or kidney function. Or does the simultaneous administration of Pitocin, prolonged IV drip or intra muscular or intra-uterine in the case of a C. Section compete for binding sites with ADH, since they share some of the same chemical characteristics? I think this is a situation ripe for research, though it would be difficult to separate out just IV overhydration when other factors such as pitocin and epidural medications are present in the same mother. I cannot imagine any other circumstance in which a mother in labor would be deliberately overhydrated, other than prolonged IV pitocin induction and/or in advance of an epidural. Would people more familiar with pharmacology and U.S. hospital management of labor please comment? Jean *************************** K. Jean Cotterman RNC, IBCLC Dayton, Ohio USA ________________________________________________________________ YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET! Juno now offers FREE Internet Access! Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj. *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html