Doulas and Epidurals

A doula is there to support you no matter what path you choose your labor to take. A big portion of a doulas job is to make sure you feel educated and well equipped to make these decisions for yourself. The reality is that sometimes an epidural really is the best choice for you to make in labor. I've supported labors where the laboring person has accepted the epidural for a variety of reasons: a long relentless induction period, pure exhaustion, and/or a stall in labor progress.

What I have found in this line of work is that there are some misconceptions about the epidural. Today, it's not necessarily administered to take all of your pain away, the anesthesiologists goal is to take about 75-80% of your pain away. This is good, why? Because you will be able to feel when to push, but some moms just don't want any of that pain so they don't expect it. Even though you get the epidural you will likely feel the "ring of fire" too, but all of this helps prevent the risk of tearing.

To receive an epidural, you will have to remain still, even through contractions. It may take them a while to get it placed. I have been a part of a labor where it was super quick and the anesthesiologist was phenomenal (it actually made me expect this from all anesthesiologists). Well, 15 hours later I experienced another mom receive an epidural and her experience was not as delightful. It took over 20 minutes for it to get placed and I was not allowed to help support her during placement. I had to help keep her mom calm in the hallway as we heard screams of pain coming from the room. Once it is placed, it takes about 20-30 minutes for it to take effect. Once the drugs have taken their course you may find yourself feeling very itchy, it's normal but not always very pleasant. It may also be a bit alarming not to be able to feel your lower extremities. You will also receive a catheter either for the remainder of your labor or intermittently to empty your bladder.

All of the benefits surrounding the epidural really circle around the fact that you get rest and the ability to relax which should help you progress and dilate. In a hospital setting, you may find they push this option a lot or say things like "if it were my labor, it is what I would do." Don't fall for that, be solid on your plan until something legitimate changes your mind. In