Forty-six people responded to the poll: Which answer applies to the birth of your first child? The results:
I did not require pain medication: 35%
I had some pain medication (systemic narcotic): 11%
I had an epidural but no c-section: 20%
I had a spinal: 2%
I had a combined spinal/epidural: 4%
I had a cesarean section: 20%
I adopted: 2%
I am pregnant: 7%
Graphically:

Pie chart:

To see all prior poll results, click here.

A research study by the University of Sydney concludes that epidurals “hamper breastfeeding” (BBC News). Several factors may be at play:
– an epidural can make the baby sleepy;
– women who get epidurals are more likely to end up with a cesarean section, and c-sections can make it more difficult for the nursing mother to pick up the baby and position the baby at the breast; and
– mothers who choose not to have pain relief may be more motivated to breastfeed.
The study doesn’t really report anything we didn’t already know. This simply tells me that women should consider planning …read more

Today’s breastfeeding story isn’t really a breastfeeding story, it’s a formula-feeding story. It provides a bit of balance both for that reason and also because it’s written by a father (who asked to remain anonymous). This story offers an important reminder that as the parent, YOU are the expert on your child. If your child is listless, not acting like himself, or showing any sign of medical distress, seek medical attention immediately and persist in getting help until the problem is resolved.