WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for October, 1998: Re: Another queston on epidurals

Re: Another queston on epidurals

From: Marcia (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Mon, 26 Oct 1998 12:23:46 -0600 (CST)

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Just one more comment about this and then I will shut up. When I went to the hospital to have my second child in March, (before we knew that he was breech and would have to be delivered c-section) one of the nurses who was checking me in started babbling how when she was in high school, she knew that she wanted children, but she was terrified of pain. She said that she was so happy that she was able to have epidurals because she was nearly paralyzed with fear about the pain of giving birth. I have no idea why she even started saying all of this. The only thing that I can think of is that she saw my birth plan which stated that I did not want pain medication offered and would ask for it if I wanted it. I told her that it did not even really hurt to have my first son and she looked at me as though I was absolutely bonkers! Of course, it was about 2 am, so maybe that is when all the nut cases show up.At Mon, 26 Oct 1998, Suzanne S. 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! :)
>
>--
>******************************
>Suzanne S. Powell, ICCE, CD
>Childbirth Educator, Doula, Student Midwife

>Peachtree City, Ga.
>
>Partum Me! Educational & Support Services
>http://partumme.hypermart.net/partumme.htm
>******************************
>

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