Dear Mary and all, This is just from my personal observations as a doula and also IBCLC : Fentanyl is definitely a part of epidurals here in No.CA. and is used frequently. Frankly I see problems with early latch on and sucking sometimes, and other times there is absolutely no problem at all. Prostaglandin gel is also used here to soften the cervix before induction with pitocin. If a mom is 41 and 1/2 weeks or god forbid, even 2 weeks overdue (read sarcasm here) , she is put into the hospital at night and the prostaglandin is applied to the cervix that evening and possibly early in the morning. If labor doesn't begin soon (or without waiting to see if it does), a pitocin drip is started. I haven't personally seen any "allergic" effects or really negative effects besides the usual bummer of being induced and all that usually entails - IV fluids, epidurals, etc. But I don't have all that much experience with it...... With my own clients I urge alternative methods of starting labor before the 41 and 1/2 week mark. Some of these alternative methods incude; making love each day, walking a lot, perhaps the use of herbs if they get advice from someone who knows more than I do about that, acupuncture treatments, acupressure massage, chiropractic adjustment for starting labor.... These often work great and there is no need for pitocin!! No studies quoted, but I hope this was helpful! Yours, Janaki Costello, IBCLC, LLLL, Doula, CCE in No.CA.