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Questions and Answers

Q. My wife recently had a baby two weeks ago. She did receive an epidural and is breast feeding him. The question is she has been experiencing numbness in her back area where I believe the needle went in, is there reason to be concerned or is this normal? Thank you for your time.

A. Many women experience tender soreness or aching at the epidural site for varying amounts of time in the postpartum period. If her primary sensation is numbness it may be better with time or you may feel better seeing your doctor about it if it isn't better in a week or so. If it gets worse in any way or a larger area seems to be numb, then you should definitely talk to your doctor and/or the anesthesiologist who administered her epidural as soon as possible.

Cyndi Klausing, RN, ACCE, has been a childbirth educator and breastfeeding counselor for over 18 years. She currently works as a newborn nursery nurse and is the mother of four sons.

Cyndi will answer your questions on fertility, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and babies. Her advice does not take the place of your practitioner. Personal answers will not always be possible.