Many pregnant women worry about pain during childbirth. Pain levels can vary based on factors like your birth environment, your baby’s position and the strength or frequency of your contractions. Learning about your options for pain management can help you choose what’s best for you. Remember, every mother and baby is different, so it’s important to get care that supports your goals. 

The way you give birth, pain medications or birth interventions, and your overall health can affect breastfeeding. Generally, a birth without many interventions is better for breastfeeding success. Breastfeeding education and quality medical care should encourage open and supportive conversation about all options surrounding your birth as well as your breastfeeding intentions.

What is an Epidural?^1,2,3

An epidural is a combination of narcotics and regional anesthesia inserted through a catheter and into the “epidural space” right before the spine. You will feel a pinch/prick as the numbing medication is placed. Then the catheter that will deliver the epidural medication will be placed once the site is numb. You may feel some pressure as the catheter is placed. Once placed, medication will be delivered through the catheter and will signal to your spinal cord and the brain blocking the pain. Several factors will contribute to how quickly you feel relief and for how long—for example, the amount of medication, the type, and the concentration. 

Benefits 

• Pain relief within 10 – 20 minutes of injection
• An epidural can be requested anytime up until delivery
• Pain relief allows you to rest
• You can be awake and alert during childbirth 
• Pain management for more prolonged surgical procedures
• Generally safe and effective 

Risks & Complications

An epidural can affect your baby’s early instinctive behavior, making it more challenging for your baby to latch to the breast. In general, women who receive pain medication during labor are at a higher risk of delaying the onset of lactation when compared to women who deliver vaginally without pain medication. Studies show babies may have more difficulty latching and sucking on the breast after delivery if their mothers have received pain medications.⁴ The lingering effects of the medication can cause them to be extra sleepy on the first day which can lead to missed feeding opportunities.

A skilled anesthesiologist must do the procedure to avoid serious complications for mother and baby during birth. The safety of you and your baby is the primary concern during childbirth. Deciding if you should choose an epidural is a personal decision. Speak with your doctor and anesthesiologist about the benefits and risks of epidural anesthesia for you and your baby during birth and when breastfeeding.

If you decide to have an epidural during labor, breastfeeding is still possible. Focus on lots of skin-to-skin, frequent breastfeeding sessions and stimulation to trigger your milk supply. Learn the basics of breastfeeding by taking a class and seeking the advice of an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Understanding the barriers and obstacles you may have will allow you to set the right expectations and navigate any difficulties. Breastfeeding is the continuation of the birthing process; your body was designed to create, birth, and nourish your baby.

What If I Have Questions?

If you are interested in learning more, these Aeroflow classes expand on some of the topics discussed above:

• Birth and Breastfeeding
• Ultimate Breastfeeding Prep
• Lactation Q&A

Want More Info?

For a directory of Aeroflow’s other Care Guides offering information on pregnancy, baby care, and more, browse our comprehensive list of titles:

References