epidural and breastfeeding

I am planning on breastfeeding and have been reading this book that discourages getting an epidural because, it claims that the baby will have trouble latching on or be too out of it to even be interested in breastfeeding. This they say will then set back the breastfeeding and bonding time. Any of you girls experience this? If I'm in that much pain I'd like to have the option of the epidural.

Re: epidural and breastfeeding

I don't have personal experience with it but my SIL had an epidural and my little nephew started nursing immediately!! She did see a lactation nurse before leaving the hospital and got some tips but I think all BF Moms are advised to go. All is well with my nephew...now 7 weeks old...he eats like a champ!

Re: epidural and breastfeeding

I had my son on March 10 - and let me tell you... no way would he be here had it not been for the heavenly epidural! to numb the pain!!!

About an hour after delivery we tried breastfeeding and he had no problems at all. I never heard of an epidural causing problems with latching on. We had no problems then - and now 2 weeks later he is still breastfeeding like a champ!!!

Re: epidural and breastfeeding

Thanks for the encouraging news, I think this book is promoting natural childbirth but I'm no martyr! Just needed some piece of mind and I knew you ladies would have the answers.

Re: epidural and breastfeeding

Message edited 10/30/2009 10:28:58 AM.

Re: epidural and breastfeeding

as far as i know, the epidural doesn't pass through the placenta so the baby doesn't feel the effects

demerol does and the baby can be drowsy

Re: epidural and breastfeeding

i breastfed right after i gave birth and he latched on and I breastfed exclusively for a while. Ummm..i would never NOT have an epidural

Re: epidural and breastfeeding

I had an emergency c-section with DD#1 and was put totally to sleep, even after that she latched right on no problem!

Re: epidural and breastfeeding

so not true! I don't know who writes this stuff, and why

I had an epideral, and am now 4 months breastfeeding. You don't bond in a day, you bond as you take care and nurture your baby.

Re: epidural and breastfeeding

I had a spinal with my c-section and DS although he didnt latch well the first try (about 2 hours after birth), latched like a champ an hour later and was always great at latching.

Re: epidural and breastfeeding

I had an epidural and Ella never had any problems latching on.

Re: epidural and breastfeeding

I had an epidural and DD had no problem latching.

Re: epidural and breastfeeding

No personal experience but my sister had an epidural and was breastfeeding my nephew about 30 minutes after he was born...

Re: epidural and breastfeeding

I had epidural and my DS latched on to the boob right away. My milk did not come in until after the 3rd day though. I dont even think DS was getting colostrum b/c the nurse was squeezing my boob and absolutely nothing was coming out. I believe it had something to do with the Pitocin that I was given.

Re: epidural and breastfeeding

I read the same things. I chose unmedicated birth, but for reasons beyond breastfeeding, because I know plenty of women who successfully breastfed after having an epidural.

I think the concern is that the baby will be sleepy from the drugs, but that's not always the case.

The best breastfeeding advice I can give is, epidural or not, put the baby to the breast within the first hour of birth. Babies tend to be very alert at that time and will latch easily and you'll start stimulating your supply.

Re: epidural and breastfeeding

I had an epidural and the baby was on my boob and latching within 15 minutes of delivery. I BF and pumped for 5 months.