Yes, an epidural does cross the placenta and affect the baby, just like everything else which goes into the mothers body. It is a completly indiscriminate process.
However, I still think the benefits of delayed cord clamping would still outweigh any detriment to the baby of having drugs in the system. We are talking about quite a lot of blood volume here, imagine being born, and trying to make it in the world with a less than full complement of your own blood, what a less than auspicious start.
For me drugs are simply not an option (homebirther) but if you are serious about delayed cord clamping, then using a minimum of drugs would also I guess be a priority.
Last edited by Cyathea; January 27th, 2009 at 12:40 AM.
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks