I believe epidurals are overused in obstetrics because not enough women receive hands-on labor support, and the side effects and risks are not well described to women.
I believe epidurals are overused in obstetrics because not enough women receive hands-on labor support, and the side effects and risks are not well described to women. The birth process is inherently challenging but is manageable without pharmacologic pain relief for many women, and yet the vast majority of women in the DC Baltimore area are offered epidurals at their most vulnerable moments. There is also a cost incentive to add this expensive item to billing. Also, the impact of hours of epidurals with narcotics such as fentanyl on newborn ability to breastfeed successfully is underestimated.
Lily Fountain, MS, CNM
blog: http://birthnbabynews.blogspot.com
Is there something about the ob/gyn field that really pushes your buttons? If so, we want to hear from you. Send us your sound offs.
S1E4: Dr. Kristina Adams-Waldorf: Pandemics, pathogens and perseverance
July 16th 2020This episode of Pap Talk by Contemporary OB/GYN features an interview with Dr. Kristina Adams-Waldorf, Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Adjunct Professor in Global Health at the University of Washington (UW) School of Medicine in Seattle.
Listen
Unveiling the complexities of preterm birth risk from nativity, ethnicity, and race
March 22nd 2024A recent study dissected the relationships between maternal nativity, ethnicity, and race in influencing preterm birth rates, shedding light on disparities and suggesting avenues for future research.
Read More
Study reveals link between opioid dosage and spontaneous preterm birth risk
February 21st 2024Recent research highlighted an association between the total dose of prescribed opioids during pregnancy and the heightened risk of spontaneous preterm birth, emphasizing the need for judicious opioid use in pain management for expectant mothers.
Read More