[moon~maiden]

You’ve been waiting nine long months, and your big day is almost here. But what should be a joyful time of giving birth has become clouded by myths about labor and delivery. How do you know what to believe when you have so many people telling you different things? Here are some of the most common myths about labor and childbirth, and the reality behind them:

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[moon~maiden]

#6- how about comparing epidural to c-section stats to pain med free births to c-section, and see how they compare then? Epidurals don't automatically = c-section, but they can easily start you on the slippery slope of the "cascade of interventions".
I don't understand comparing epidural to analgesic.

[gratefulmama]

I thought this was a good article. I especially liked the part about no two L&D experiences being alike. I agree. Every experience is unique and the only thing that is the same is that you get a baby in the end. When I had my DD, I tried to go into the labor with that thought in mind. That the labor could go a variety of ways. I didn't want to have my mind set too much on one thing so that I didn't get disappointed. All I knew was that I was going to have a baby - no matter which way the labor went!

[AnesthesiaFacts]

Epidurals provide "analgesia" to patients through a local medication. This does not have to include a "narcotic" or an opioid. The local provides "pain relief", which IS analgesia. So I am not sure what was ment about epidurals not equating to "analgesia". However, it is correct that analgesia is just one component to anesthesia.
There are studies that show epidurals help with the progression of labor. In my experience, mothers are more relaxed and are less likely to be "failure to progress" that can lead to long labors and eventually c-sections.
I do believe that mothers should be empowered to make decisions that are right for them by knowing the facts. If a mother would rather have a "natural" child birth experience, that is wonderful. However, to paint an untrue story about epidurals hendering labor, sending a patient down a "slippery slope", or not being beneficial to mother and child, quite simply is not true.
Please, I encourage all mothers to talk to health care professionals that have master or doctorate degrees in this area. You my find the information informative.
It is a relief for this site to inform mothers of the latest research on how an epidural can help. I'm out there for the moms!!!! May everyone have a great child birth experience. I did.

[sarahmomma]

Originally Posted by AnesthesiaFacts

Epidurals provide "analgesia" to patients through a local medication. This does not have to include a "narcotic" or an opioid. The local provides "pain relief", which IS analgesia. So I am not sure what was ment about epidurals not equating to "analgesia". However, it is correct that analgesia is just one component to anesthesia.
There are studies that show epidurals help with the progression of labor. In my experience, mothers are more relaxed and are less likely to be "failure to progress" that can lead to long labors and eventually c-sections.
I do believe that mothers should be empowered to make decisions that are right for them by knowing the facts. If a mother would rather have a "natural" child birth experience, that is wonderful. However, to paint an untrue story about epidurals hendering labor, sending a patient down a "slippery slope", or not being beneficial to mother and child, quite simply is not true.
Please, I encourage all mothers to talk to health care professionals that have master or doctorate degrees in this area. You my find the information informative.
It is a relief for this site to inform mothers of the latest research on how an epidural can help. I'm out there for the moms!!!! May everyone have a great child birth experience. I did.

Well put! I think it is time we as mothers start respecting each other's decisions and dropping the my way or the high way attitude.

[erinmccoy22407]

Originally Posted by sarahmomma

Well put! I think it is time we as mothers start respecting each other's decisions and dropping the my way or the high way attitude.

Agreed. Every single one of my friends who had epidurals had faster labors and delivered vaginally. I still consider this pretty "natural". I think once the panic of the pain is decreased, the mothers relax and are able to let their bodies do its job. This is just my opinion but so far its what I've observed. when i give birth I won't immediately reach for one, but i'm certainly not opposed.