5 Important Questions About Pain Relief During Labor
1) You may wish to ask for an interview with your anesthestis before your labor. Is your hospital available for twenty four hour anesthesia service? It’s important to know the department’s availability and philosophy of pain relief in childbirth. Some types of pain relief, like a epidural, must have a physician anesthesiologist, or a nurse anesthetst, must be present to administer anesthetic medicationsand perform the necessary procedures.
2) Will you be given clear, written information regarding the risks versus benefits of pain relief measures.
3) What types of side effects can you expect? Are there any short or long term issues for the mother or the baby? If so what other types of pain relief can you offer?
4) Does your healthcare provider share the same viewpoint with you concerning your plan of care? Is your preference toward a more natural type of pain relief? If so have you expressed you wishes concerning this subject?
5) Be sure to ask you Healthcare provider if they have experience in all types of pain relief techniques. Many options exist such as massage, imaging specific preparations, for pain relief such as Lamaze.