Diane, I cared for and supported a woman's choice to labour and birth her twins at 34 weeks, both cephalic, without an epidural despite the medical staff ordering the epidural and the anaesthetist arriving to put it in. The anaesthetist actually did take the time to talk and listen to the woman and her partner and was respectful of their decision to wait and see if the woman wanted one later on. The woman laboured and gave birth to both her twins using nitrous, assisted by the midwife, with the supportive Doctor of both the woman and midwife just watching the events unfold. It can be done. We were fortunate that there were no problems arising with the second twin. I seem to remember that there was the options of epidural on arrival, placing the epidural catheter in place and later adminstering bolus doses if an emergency arose with the second twin, but I can't remember about mention of a test dose (hence the anaethestist was close by during the second stage of labour) or have the epidural if and when the woman requested it. I hope this helps. kathy ----- Original Message ----- From: "Diane Gardner" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Sunday, November 16, 2003 6:13 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Epidural
Hi all I have a client, 42 y.o first time mum who is expecting twins. Her ob/gyn has told her that he would like her to have and epidural anyway to prepare her in case they have any trouble with the second twin being born. When she asked the midwife at her antenatal class if they can just insert the needle without giving her the actual medication she was told that it was either give it or not prepare her for the epidural at all, no half way. In your opinions is this correct or can they do all the prep and then administer the drug if complications occur? thanks in advance Diane -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe.
