Pain Relief Available on Demand for Laboring Mothers
The birth of a child is an exciting and unforgettable event. The entire team at the BirthPlace at McLaren want to ensure that the birth experience is first-class in every way. Anesthesia providers are members of the care team who are available to assist with pain relief during labor.
Anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists are on call 24 hours a day at McLaren to provide local, regional and general pain relief when needed. New educational materials are now available for expectant mothers to receive upon arrival at the BirthPlace at McLaren.
“It is important for our patients to know what to expect regarding their pain relief options,” said Robin Zerka, nurse anesthetist at MRMC. “We want ease any concerns or uncertainty expectant mothers may have by ensuring that their individual needs will be met.”
A laboring mother may feel any of the following ways about pain relief:
She may prefer to give birth without anesthesia.
She may be unsure about her pain relief options and how they will affect her labor and delivery.
She may prefer to use anesthesia for pain relief during labor.
Whatever the preference, it is important to understand how anesthesia and pain relief are used in labor and delivery. Every woman and every birth is unique. Expectant mothers are encouraged to discuss their birth plan with the nurse upon arrival with the understanding that they have the right to change their mind regarding pain relief at any time.
Anesthesia Options for Labor & Delivery
The ideal anesthetic should relieve discomfort enough to allow the mother to deliver her baby safely and be able to push when it is time. The anesthetic should not stop contractions or make the baby sleepy.
The most commonly used obstetrical anesthetics are local injections, sedation through intravenous catheter and regional anesthesia. A pudental block is an injection of local anesthetic that numbs the vaginal area.
An epidural is a method of delivering drugs through a tiny tube called a catheter. The catheter is placed in the small of the back just outside the spinal canal. The epidural allows the patient to feel touch and pressure so they can participate in the labor experience while relieving most of the discomfort of labor.
Spinal is a method similar to an epidural with the exception that the drugs are administered into the spinal canal. They have a faster onset and may cause the patient to feel more numb. They are used for Cesarean section.
Epidurals and spinals cannot be used if the patient:
Uses blood thinners or has a bleeding tendency.
Is hemorrhaging or is in shock.
Has an infection in the back or in the blood.
Has an unusual anatomic condition or spinal abnormality.
What the Anesthesia Provider Should Know
The anesthesia provider will ask the patient a series of questions to administer just the right prescription for the patient’s individual needs. This includes information about what the patient has had to eat and drink for the last several hours; if there is a history of difficult breathing after anesthesia, lower back problems, high fevers, breathing problems, and any special medical conditions.
“We believe a mother’s request for pain relief is a priority,” stated Zerka. The anesthesia staff will make every effort to make sure it is administered promptly and to their satisfaction.”
McLaren anesthesia providers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to discuss various types of anesthesia and answer any questions. The anesthesia providers at McLaren can be reached at 810.342.5092 or 810.342.2292. The pager number for anesthesia is 389-1103.
