Even if we conclude that the studies on breastfeeding and epidurals are "inconclusive", then why wouldn't we tell parents that there is no absolute evidence that epidurals DO NOT interefere with breastfeeding? To say that there is no conclusive evidence that they do implies that their use should be considered acceptable, even normal even without proof that they are safe. This is what troubles me so much in obstetrics--we assume it is okay to use any given drug or procedure until it is proven to be unsafe. Further, from what I have seen the studies tend to compare epidurals to other meds, with the presumption being that we are looking for the "best" med. To me, that is akin to looking for the best AIM. There isn't one. In my mind, the valid comparison would have to ne an uninterrupted, unmendicated, normal home birth. Look at the behaviours or mothers and babies in that situation and you have a valid control group. Otherwise, what are we comparing--one drugged baby to a lesser drugged baby? Do we dismiss the stidies that have shown that babies born drugged are more likely to have addictive bahaviours in later life? Is our only concern whether or not the baby is still being bf at 6 weeks? What other maternal behaviours may be affected by interference with the normal hormonal milieu of birth and breastfeeding? Again, I would encourage everyone to become educated about the research being done by APPPAH members and published by them. It was in their newsletter that I first read the info about infant/maternal stem cells so many years ago. They are way ahead of the curve. Jennifer Tow, IBCLC, CT, USA *********************************************** 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