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What If I Want An Epidural Or Have A Cesarean?
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What if I want an epidural?
A doula’s support is still invaluable.
A doula's goal is to help you have the best birth experience possible, however you define it. You still need continuous support even with an epidural. Once you’ve received the epidural, she will help you stay relaxed, offer information, and remain with you while your partner eats a meal or sleeps. She will be able to help you with pushing positions, (since it’s harder to push when you have an epidural), and assist with initial breastfeeding.
8 Reasons to Hire a Doula Even If You Plan to Have an Epidural
1. Most of the time the woman is required to do some laboring before an epidural can be administered.
2. Occasionally the anesthesiologist is unavailable for a period of time. 3. Sometimes a woman labors so quickly there is not time for an epidural. 4. Though the mother does not feel her contractions as intensely, she still has all the same emotions of a laboring woman. 5. Although epidurals are effective relieving pain most of the time, there are things your epidural can not do for you. Your epidural will not:- Give you a massage
- Provide you with information about your options
- Get you ice chips
- Give your partner a break
- Be reassuring and nurturing
- Help you with breathing
- Help you with breastfeeding
- Take photographs
Visit www.kimjames.net/Eleven%20Steps.htm for wonderful information!
What if I have a cesarean?
If you are having a cesarean, a doula is a great help. Your doula will help you be as informed as possible about the surgery and the post-partum recovery.
If your caregiver suggests a cesarean at some point during labor, your doula will guide you in asking questions that will help you gather necessary information about the reasons your caregiver recommends a cesarean, the risks and benefits relative to your particular situation, and any alternatives you may have. In this case, you will likely make an informed decision and will therefore be more satisfied with a surgical outcome. She will also help to reinforce that even though a cesarean may not have been your goal, you are still giving birth. She will celebrate with you, facilitate closeness between the new family, and photograph the baby's first moments.
Other ways in which a doula might help with a cesarean section, planned or unplanned, include:
•Assisting in relaxation during the administration of the spinal or epidural;
•Video taping or photographing the birth;
•Facilitating closeness between the new family;
•Staying with mom while the surgery is finished when baby and mom's partner go off to the nursery;
•Relaying information to mom about the baby;
•Helping mom with the initial breastfeeding;
•Sharing information about recovery.
Can a doula help me avoid a repeat cesarean?
Absolutely! Doulas are especially important if you are planning a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) because she helps you avoid the interventions that increase your likelihood of having another cesarean birth.
Disclaimer
This information should in no way replace the guidance and suggestions of your care provider. Please use this information as a basis for conversation with your care provider, and to build consensus and agreement about how your labor and birth are to be managed. Always share your concerns with your care provider and create a plan together that meets both your needs.
