The effects of epidurals on labour is really interesting. I was reading an article on if breastfeeding is effected by epidurals (spoiler, it isn't) and came across this:
"Of the 115 participants, 52 mothers had epidural analgesia only and 63 had no analgesia during labour and delivery. In total, 70% were multiparas (delivered previously), of whom 94% had previously breastfed. The women who had epidural analgesia were significantly younger, had fewer pregnancies and less breastfeeding experience. Of women having their first baby, 71% used epidural analgesia compared to only 36% of women with previous deliveries. The duration of first and second stage labour was approximately doubled for the epidural group compared to the no-analgesia group. More women in the epidural group received oxytocin during labour."
https://www.rcm.org.uk/news-views-and-analysis/analysis/epidural-analgesia-and-effects-on-breastfeeding
It makes me feel more confident choosing to go med free, despite this being my first term delivery. It will make my labour quicker and more efficient, and I'm going to remember that when things get tough.

















