When you hear the term “adverse drug reaction,” you probably think of things like nausea, headache, or even sexual dysfunction — the typical laundry list of unpleasantries rattled off at the end of every pharmaceutical commercial. But there are some reactions that are more subtle than that. And one in particular that I just learned of could wind up harming completely innocent bystanders.
The interaction I’m talking about occurs as a result of an epidural given during childbirth. Researchers in Australia found that women who undergo this procedure are more likely to have problems breast feeding their infants. The study involved nearly 1300 women, 416 of whom received an epidural during childbirth. During the first week following delivery, over 90 percent of the women breast fed their babies. However, the epidural group experienced significantly more problems than the other women. And after six months, only 53 percent of the women who had received an epidural were still breast feeding, compared with 72 percent of the non-epidural group. Researchers think that the drug fentanyl that epidurals contain is behind these problems.
Far be it from me to tell any woman not to have an epidural. But knowing how important breast feeding is to the health and development of newborns makes it that much more important to keep going despite any difficulties that might crop up.
Dr. Wright advises breast feeding for at least a year. If you or someone you know has trouble, there are support networks and resources available. Check with the maternity ward of your local hospital, or with your OB/GYN office for information.
What is…an epidural?
An epidural is a medical procedure that involves administering local anesthesia through a catheter that is inserted into the lower back near the spinal cord.
Source:
“Epidural during birth may negatively affect breast-feeding,” MedicineNet.com, 12/11/06
