Wednesday, September 2, 2009

TO EPIDURAL OR NOT TO EPIDURAL - THAT IS THE QUESTION!

Today the majority of women  in this country facing labor feel comfortable with the choice of an epidural.  Many women don't have any friends or workmates who have tried to go without an epidural in labor - or they have talked to women who started with that goal but abandoned it during the labor.  After over 600 births, I do not feel that there is one way to have a baby - I feel  it is important for women to be comfortable with their choices and realize this is not a "pass or fail" process.  I'm really most concerned that moms feel they have made informed decisions. And one of those decisions could be to avoid pain medication.

I have worked with many moms who were upfront that they planned to use medication in birth.  They wanted a support person who was comfortable with their choices. I provided support for the birth with their choice in mind.

I have also worked with many moms whose goal was to go unmedicated.  Is this possible?  Yes! Is it valuable to pass on an epidural and get through the labor process unmedicated?  Yes!  But is it the only way to birth a baby?  Of course not.

We never know the challenges a mom will face in labor - and babies have to cooperate with the process also. Sometimes they are the smart ones, knowing it was safer to come through surgery than vaginally.  We just never know until we get into the process.

Why do some moms choose to avoid medication?  It's certainly not that they want to be martyrs.  Many times it is hoping to avoid the risk of medication or what they feel will be a domino effect - starting one process that leads to the next, etc.  Some feel their body knows how to birth a baby and they want to trust the process.  Some want the  challenge of working through labor and having nothing to dull their senses or the experience.

Whatever the motivation, I am happy to support the goal.  I have seen so many unmedicated births where the value of that choice was not realized until later.  And when I ask after the birth - are you happy you did it this way - almost every mom has said an emphatic YES.

Does that mean moms who choose medication are not happy with their choice.  Not at all.  Again - the biggest issue is informed consent.  Has the mom weighed the risks and benefits and made a choice with this given birth and circumstances that she is happy with.  Then it is probably the right choice for that birth.

Having a goal for birth is wonderful - it is a dream to reach for - having a great birth memory is a happy memory.  Should it be unmedicated or medicated?  Ultimately it is usually your choice. Having a support person or doula is also your choice - and I'm hoping it is a choice you will definitely consider!

1 comment:

  1. Thank you so much for letting me know you are reading along Lucy! I hope I'm able to help many expectant families to see birth in a new light - a positive and joyous one!
    Cyndi

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