Epidurals During Labor and Nursing Success

United States
December 22, 2006 5:46pm CST
I recently wrote an article review of a new medical study released from Australia about epidurals and the potential effect on nursing for newborns: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/103237/new_medical_study_shows_epidurals_inhibit.html It has been interesting seeing people's responses to this article, and hearing their personal experiences. What was your epidural experience? Did you nurse your child exclusively and for a significant period of time? Blessings, Angela
2 people like this
11 responses
@mcmomss (2601)
• United States
23 Dec 06
I didn't have an epidural with either of my boys. With my second son, they induced labor. Things got so intense that I asked for an epidural but they said it was too late.
2 people like this
• United States
24 Dec 06
Yes, that happens sometimes. If you are past about 8cm they generally won't give one to you becuase by the time the medication actually kicks in you are to the pushing stage which can be greatly hindered by pain medication dulling your senses. Interesting story, thanks for sharing your personal experience.
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@vipul20044 (5794)
• India
23 Dec 06
Well Epidurals are a personal choice each woman should make! It's her body and her baby yes, the man did take some part in the creation of the baby during conception however long that took? The only thing with the epi.'s is the side effects like the longer labor's, the headaches if not done properly,or even a spinal fluid leak that needs to be repaired with a blood patch. So there is a lot to consider when choosing.
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• United States
23 Dec 06
Yes, you're right. It IS a choice, and praise God we have that freedom. The point of this article...well ONE of the points of the article, was that not only are there the potential side effects to the MOTHER that you mentioned in your excellent post above, but there are also potential side effects to the BABY.
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@Katy238 (1028)
• United States
23 Dec 06
I responded to it! Please also have a look at my articles as well. I was intrigued by this!! Thanks
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@Katy238 (1028)
• United States
23 Dec 06
Yes, I nursed her for 8 months, my first son for only 3 months :( due to meds and my baby for 11 months! I am proud to say that my babies are NEVER sick, maybe an occasional cough (like once a yr). Never had an earache, etc.
• United States
23 Dec 06
You write with associated content also? Very cool! I will take a look at your articles of course! And thank you for the encouraging comment as well...I'm glad you stuck it out with your daughter. :-)
2 people like this
@postbusf (120)
• Netherlands
23 Dec 06
I am from Holland. here they don't use epidurals. Only for medical reassons.
2 people like this
• United States
23 Dec 06
Holland has a lower infant mortality rate as well. Did you have a midwife attended birth?
1 person likes this
• United States
23 Dec 06
I had an epidural with both of my kids and have had no unusual trouble nursing. Sore nipples, engorgement early on, sure---but real issues no. I nursed my first for 11 months and he weaned himself. I'm nursing my 9 week old now and plan to do so for 1 year. I dont think women should be made to feel bad or guilty about pain relief in childbirth. Its hard and for me, the epidural made me focus more and birth two healthy boys.
2 people like this
• Singapore
23 Dec 06
i had epidural when i had my gal...it really does ease the pain till labour time..but the cons of it is i suffer sever backpain after my birth...
• United States
23 Dec 06
It eases the paint for SOME...as the previous poster commented, it doesn't work 100% for everyone. How long has it been since your birth? Do I understand correctly...you are STILL suffereing pain?
1 person likes this
@atticus (1379)
• Italy
23 Dec 06
forgive me but that's too hard to understand for me,anyway i'm gonna try to read the article..
@msmamaof2 (367)
• United States
11 Jan 07
I had a spinal this time for my c-section and have been nursing well for over 8 months now.
@harivinod (781)
• India
23 Dec 06
that's nice the article is interesting
1 person likes this
• United States
23 Dec 06
The STUDY was interesting. :-) The article was just my way of helping to bring it to people's attention.
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• Philippines
23 Dec 06
I also got the epidural when i gave birth to my son. I dont have problems nursing him and now he's 3 months old and he's growing fast. :)
1 person likes this
• United States
23 Dec 06
The DO grow fast don't they? My daughter just turned 7 months and is still bf exclusively at the moment (still no teeth!). She's already crawling like a pro and pulling herself up onto furniture, etc. Amazing! **laughing**
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• Canada
23 Dec 06
I went into preterm labour at 32 weeks, and had an epidural. My son, despite being a preemie had an apgar score of 9 1 minute after he was born. He's a healthy 6 year old now. I nursed him every 2 hours until he was removed from my care(not my choice), and had very few problems with it.
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• United States
23 Dec 06
My husband was also born at 7 months! He had more trouble than your baby though so I'm glad your son is doing so well!
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