We have learned that movement, comfort measures, relaxation, distraction, and breathing all contribute to a better birth experience, but you may request medical pain relief, as well. Please turn to page 44 in the manual. Please read about the 2 major types of pain relief: analgesics and epidural blocks.
On page 44 read about analgesics, and watch the accompanying video entitled, Analgesics. (READ and WATCH) Keep in mind that these medications are rarely given just prior to birth because of the side effects to the baby.
Read pages 45 and 46. View the video entitled, Epidural Procedure in Chapter 5.
The tips listed in the yellow box on page 46 are great! It is encouraged that you wait until you have regular contractions before getting your epidural, and that once you have it, you turn from side to side (dads may need to help).
I would like you to consider the right hand column on page 47. You must decide if the benefits of receiving any type of pain relief in labor outweighs the risks or cons.
***Also, keep in mind that once you ask for the epidural, it will be about 40 minites until you will be experiencing pain relief.
Go to Chapter 3 on the SeeWhatYouRead website and find Julie's Birth (Web bonus).
Please go to this link and read the 2 page handout, and determine where you fall on this scale.
Unit 7 assignment:
1. Does having an epidural mean that you will need continuous fetal monitoring throughout the duration of your labor?
2. When is a spinal block most commonly used?
3. Would you agree that potentially the most challenging part of receiving an epidural is holding still, in the proper position for the epidural to be placed?
4. Email me to let me know you are finished with Unit 7.
