Epidural information

fearlessbirth · 08-23-2006, 10:55 AM

I was just hired by a couple who is wanting to avoid c-sec as best they can. I explained to them how the cascade of interventions work and then he asked about the meds affecting the baby. Now, I thought I always read or heard that the drugs DO get to the baby but a nurse recently told me that's not true. And she also said it's a 'myth' that getting an epi slows labor (then why do some docs not allow them until later in labor??). Does anyone have an excellent 'unbiased' link on the FACTS about epidurals? I will

some more but thought someone out there might have the 'perfect' handout.

ETA: I just found this...what do you think? http://www.geocities.com/Wellesley/a...epidurals.html

~Tranquility~Doula · 08-23-2006, 11:00 AM

Here's a good one:
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articl...il/ai_60072814

Quote:

When mother can't feel her contraction, her brain will stop releasing oxytocin, and labor may slow down or stop. That is why epidural labors are three times more likely to involve the administration of a synthetic oxytocin (pitocin).

~Tranquility~Doula · 08-23-2006, 11:01 AM

I'm not sure that exactly the most unbiased article but it works for me!

jesscardona · 08-23-2006, 11:03 AM

Im sorry but what is cascade of intervention exactly?

fearlessbirth · 08-23-2006, 11:33 AM

I have a better diagram in my doula stuff but can't seem to find it online.
Basically it's how one thing leads to another from epidural to ceserean, etc.

http://www.acegraphics.com.au/parent...ric/index.html

AmandaB · 08-23-2006, 11:37 AM

Try the Cochran Database. It is all medically tested trails. I don't quite get all the numbers and stats, but they do put things in plain language at the top of the abstract.

jesscardona · 08-23-2006, 11:53 AM

ohhh thanks!

MyDoulaStacia · 08-23-2006, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fearlessbirth

I have a better diagram in my doula stuff but can't seem to find it online.
Basically it's how one thing leads to another from epidural to ceserean, etc.

http://www.acegraphics.com.au/parent...ric/index.html

Cathy I LOVE that link! I just put it in my favorites and will be adding it to my website resources! Thanks so much for sharing.

jesscardona · 08-23-2006, 12:58 PM

this cascade of intervention, do y'all share this with you clients? or is this just for your information?

MindOverLaborDoulas · 08-23-2006, 01:24 PM

I always share it!! In fact, I give clients a copy so that they can have it with them at all times!

jesscardona · 08-23-2006, 01:26 PM

ahhh okay... you mean that chart right.. ?

MindOverLaborDoulas · 08-23-2006, 01:30 PM

The one that I have is a tree looking thing. I can't even remember where I got it now?!

ctowndoula · 08-23-2006, 01:32 PM

The best site by far that I have found on epidurals is kimjames.net!

She has the studies, presents her materials in a pretty nuetral light, and has excellant information on how to make the best of the epidural if you get one.

She has ? to ask your CP similar to CIMS, she has a copy of an informed consent form for an epidural, how they give it, etc.

jesscardona · 08-23-2006, 01:33 PM

the one Im talking about is the one that someone put a link to for Birth International.. its really good actually... it looks like a tree..

fearlessbirth · 08-23-2006, 01:35 PM

OK..about the cascade of interventions...what do you say about that? I am getting so annoyed with myself in meetings/prenatals because they ask me questions and I feel like an idiot! I'm not supposed to give biased or misinformation but the sources are all different.

For instance, I SWEAR (unless I made it up) that my trainer (and many books, and the COI makes you believe epidural can = c-sec) said that epidural increases cesarean rate. And I think someone just gave me a site that said that. BUT other sites (cochrane database included) said it DOES NOT increase c-sec rates!!! How am I supposed to give accurate info if I can't find it?

Sorry to whine. I'm just so aggravated. Lol I'm trying to get better about giving my

to clients and really be objective but when they want info I can't find anything reliable and indifferent.