|
|
Epidurals and Breastfeeding |
12 December 2006 |
|
 |
Mothers who receive pain-relieving drugs during birth are twice as likely to give up trying to breastfeed their child. Those are the conclusions of new research looking at 1,280 Australian women.
The study adds to evidence that an ingredient in epidurals called fentanyl interferes with a baby's ability to suck at the breast. Mothers who received an epidural were more likely to experience difficulty breastfeeding in the first week. And by 24 weeks, they were twice as likely to be using formula milk.
So do women need more advice before choosing to have an epidural, or just more support in the first few weeks of breastfeeding?
Jenni talks to Dr Sue Jordan, Senior Lecturer in Applied Therapeutics at the University of Swansea and to Dr Anne May, Consultant Anaesthetist at the Leicester Royal Infirmary.National Childbirth Trust - Advice on BreastfeedingDisclaimer
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites. |
|
|
|
Retired? Downsizing? Moving home to be nearer the kids?We'd like to hear your stories about moving house |
