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Re: Another queston on epiduralsFrom: Sam (anonymous@obgyn.net)Mon, 26 Oct 1998 06:47:33 -0600 (CST)
At Mon, 26 Oct 1998, Suzanne wrote: > >Coming from an area where the epidural rate is around 95% at most of our >hospitals (the lowest being 75%), I tend to think that while most women are >choosing an epidural, and it is always their choice, many women do so >because they don't know any other options to prevent or relieve pain, >especially non-medical options. It has been my experience that many nurses >prefer women to have epidurals because it is easy to care for them. > >While it IS a choice women have, there are those who put very strong >pressure on to have an epidural. Friends, doctors, nurses... if everyone >says it is needed, then what else is mom supposed to think? Those moms >that I've worked with who have planned on NOT having an epidural always get >comments (from medical and non-medical people alike) such as "Oh, just wait >until that first contraction hits" or "That's what they all say, then >they're screaming for it as soon as they get to the hospital." > >Research has proven that having a doula present reduces epidural requests >by 60% (among other things). Is that because the doula is standing there >telling mom that she can't have an epidural? No. But by helping her use >other comfort measures, she can help prevent pain, relieve pain, and cope >with it better. And since another proven benefit is 25% shorter labors, >the pain doesn't even last as long! :) >I have been a nurse in an NICU for 15 yrs. at a busy hospital, where we attended all deliveries, and let me reassure you that having an epidural does not make the nurse's job easier. They assist with the procedure, have increased duties with watching v/s, may need to cath. the pt. if labor is prolonged, and may have a pt. longer if the epidural takes a long time to wear off. Unfortunately in the name of cost control it is unlikely that there can be a 1:1 nurse/pt. ratio so the nurse may have a very limited time to give all her tips for pain control, although they have many. It is imperative that a woman know she will not be able to solely rely on a nurse as her labor coach and have her significant other be very informed. I have also seen many situations where having an epidural in place has made the delivery of a baby so much more enjoyable for the couple and situations where it was lifesaving to an infant when an emergency c/s is needed- for example for very low heart tones or when a loss of fht's occurs. IMHO the prenatal classes I attended-I have had 3 births- would never adequately prepare a labor coach for a 20 hr. grueling, mud slinging, back labor, lose your sense of humor birth. (granted all are not like this but many are). It's also a misconception that if a woman has an epidural she won't feel a thing and can' tell how to push- in experienced hands it can do as little as take the edge off! After a 23 hr. pitocin, back labor, mid forcep deliver the placenta in trendelburg experience I was grateful for a late epidural that made it bearable for me.:) > >-- >****************************** >Suzanne S. Powell, ICCE, CD >Childbirth Educator, Doula, Student Midwife
>Peachtree City, Ga.
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