post #1 of 1
12/11/06 at 5:08am
Thread Starter 
Haven't seen the actual research yet, but here is the BBC News article:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6161727.stm
Quote:
Epidurals 'hamper breastfeeding'
Quote:
Having an epidural to relieve labour pains is associated with problems breastfeeding, a study suggests.

Researchers said those who have the anaesthetic are more likely to have problems in the first week after birth and to stop breastfeeding early.

University of Sydney researchers looked at 1,300 women who gave birth in 1997.

A chemical in epidurals may affect babies or it may be that women who do not have pain relief are more likely to persist with breastfeeding, they said.