To Linda Draper Re Ephedra Ephedra is an herbal preparation of ephedrine. Ephedrine is a close analog of methamphetamine. It is a potent adrenergic stimulant and should not be used in breastfeeding mothers. First, it has few if any clinical uses today, and it is most often used as a drug of abuse to produce stimulation. In overdose, it has been associated with a number of teenage deaths througout the US. Please don't recommend that anyone use an herbal remedy containing ephedrine or herbal ephedra, and certainly not breastfeed while using this compound. ========================= To Ione Sims Re Ativan Ativan is just another benzodiazepine with effects similar to diazepam(Valium), although its half-life is much shorter. Nevertheless, I have not heard of using it to produce prolonged sleep in labor. Many benzodiazepines induce amnesia and are not preferred for use in labor and delivery. It could easily produce neonatal depression and a real floppy baby with poor suckling. It both transfers in-utero directly to the infant and via breastmilk afterward. Except for treatment of convulsive seizures, or a rapid induction for anesthesia (Versed-midazolam), I can't think of another reason to use it during labor. Lets say its not used routinely by most obstetricians. Regards Tom Hale