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I wouldn't be surprised that there is some correlation, but I would also think that there is a correlation between birth complications in general and delayed lactation- like, if you have a very difficult birth, you are more likely to use pain meds AND you are more likely to have difficulty breastfeeding, as you need a little more time to recover. Most people I know who did med free had uncomplicated labor and deliveries (me included).

still interesting and hopefully they can use this to help women who have trouble breastfeeding earlier.

Pain meds, no delay, nursed 19 months.

I had an 18 hr labor water broke naturally but pitocin was used to stimulate contractions which lead to an epidural. I had not problem with latch and her initial need to root and feed and she was very alert for about 1-2 hours post delivery. My milk came in about 48-56 hours after delivery and She was back up to birth weight within a week of delivery. We continued our nursing relationship until she was 15m and had to supplement starting around 5 months. I blame that on going back to work more than anything.

Pain meds, no delay, wasn't planning on nursing at all but I ended up doing it successfully (now, in combination with formula, but originally EBF) for 8.5 months and counting. My only issue with pain meds was that I think the pain meds (e.g., norco) I took following delivery led me to not realize I had a clogged duct before it turned into full-blown mastitis shortly after my milk came in.

I had an epidural (which failed-twice), milk came in within 48 hours (before I left the hospital) and I nursed on demand with no problems for 15 months (no supply issues, no mastitis or plugged ducts, no latch issues, no pain except from engorgement--I had a pretty perfect experience). We stopped when we did because E got sick and couldn't latch on. My supply was low by then (we were only nursing 1-2 times a day by then, mostly at night), and because my long-term goal was only 12 months I wasn't pumping. By the time he was better I had dried up.

I had an epidural and my milk was in before I left the hospital. My daughter never had a drop of formula in her life and was nursed until 15 months. So this article holds no truth in my situation.

I had an epidural and my milk was in within 24 hours---it was crazy. And I had a huge, abundant supply.

BUT we had BFing issues because my LO had MSPI and tongue/lip ties plus a tight jaw that needed therapy. So I ended up pumping for 13 months.

I had an epidural and delivered on Sunday. By Wednesday my milk was for sure in! My son never had a drop of formula and I just stopped bfing a few weeks ago at 13 months.

I had an epidural (and pitocin) and there was no delay in my milk coming in and we nursed for a year (my goal).

I had an epi and pitocin and she took to nursing like a champ. I have no idea when my milk came in but she got everything she needed from day 1 so im assuming it came in pretty quick. I had no issues with production and we nursed until she self weaned at 14 ish months. In fact, I still produced milk 6 months later and now that I am 12 weeks with #2, (DD is 21 mo) I am leaking like crazy. So, no. Pain meds w/ my vaginal birth had 0 effect on my ability to nurse.

I had gas & air then spinal anaesthetic for a forceps delivery. Milk wasn't late coming in. I'd started leaking colostrum in the 3rd trimester already. Still nursing now at 7.5 months.

Epidural, nursing was tough at first, nursed for 17 months.

I had 3 vaginal births with epidurals, induced with pitocin for one of them and have nursed (still nursing) for close to 3.5 years total. No delay.

No pain meds, no delay, and still nursing at 19.5 months.

Pain meds, milk took 5 days to come in, but I had other issues that caused the delay. I don't think the pain meds caused it.

Lots of pain meds both times (epidural and pethidine), no delay in milk coming in, and successfully nursed for nearly 14 months both times without ever having to give a drop of formula to either LO!

Epidural, no delay and nursed for 13 months (6 EBF then intro-ed solids) with good supply.

I had an epidural. It took almost 7 days for my milk to come in, but I blame stress for that more than anything else. Definitely didn't nurse as long as I wanted to nurse.

I had an unplanned cesarean with a spinal (no pain meds before we decided to do the surgery). My milk came in on day 3 and we're still nursing at 20 months.