Re: [ozmidwifery] Re:cold epidurals

[Tania Smallwood]

This concept of control is one which really interests me, and has done for some time now...   How often do we hear women saying things like "I needed an epidural because I was getting out of control" or "I don't want to be out of control so I'm having an epidural"?  Seems a bit of an oxymoron to me, that the one thing (an epidural, anaesthetising you from the waist down) that is sure to take away any control you might have over your body, and quite possibly your birth, is the thing many women (and many care providers too) perceive as offering them that control...hmm, what does that say about true informed consent, and women and care providers attitudes towards pain, what it means, and how to deal with it?  I'm not saying for a minute that women should be denied pain relief if that's what they choose.  I just think that we should think very carefully before presenting pain relief as a tool to help a woman maintain or regain control.  To me, a woman huffing, panting, shrieking, moaning, grasping to those around her, doesn't represent someone who is out of control, or that needs to be rescued.  If that woman chooses an epidural, and is aware of the potential risks etc, then all power to her.  But I won't be presenting it to her in the 'menu' of pain relief (thanks Nicky Leap) as something that will help her regain control.   Food for thought   Tania   ----- Original Message ----- From: Nicole Cousins To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, November 07, 2004 12:51 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Re:cold epidurals Im not sure what the big deal is.  If a woman decides that she would like an epidural before an induction is started why shouldn't she have it.  Are we not here to surpport women in there wishes and if their wish is for a pain free labour shouldn't we try to do that for them.  Not everyone is the same and should we not try to meet everyones needs.  And a PCA during labour, what a great idea if thats what she wants, then she is than incontrol of her own pain relief.  Women in control of their of their labour and their needs.  Nicole ----- Original Message ----- From: Kim Stead To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, November 05, 2004 4:21 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Re:cold epidurals This is terrible.  What next!  "Would you like to come in at 35 weeks because I'm going on a golf convention and my colleague is fully booked with inductions, epidurals and post-partum haemorrhages for the next 3 months!!  Makes you wonder doesn't it!   Kim. -------Original Message-------   From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: 5/11/2004 3:34:27 p.m. To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Re:cold epidurals   Larissa thats exactly the same reason as the Ob stated up here, not once, but to many woman i saw him with. "The anaesthetist isn't always available or at work on certain days, so if you go into labour naturally you won't be guaranteed any pain relief BUT if we induce you on Monday when hes available and give you an epidural at the same time, you will get the pain relief and won't have to worry about going into labour when hes not on.   What the OB said to MANY woman.I was nearly sick.   Kirsten Darwin     ...~~~start life with a midwife~~~ ----- Original Message ----- From: "Larissa Inns" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Friday, November 05, 2004 1:38 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Re:cold epidurals     >I just looked after a woman  who had one (epidural) booked prior to > induction - reason given was that "the anaesthetist will be in surgery and > it's not convenient for him to come and give you an epidural when you'll > need one" > And the women are paying how much for this "service"?!?!? The mind > boggles......... > Hugs,Larissa > FUSA 2nd yr student > > > -- > This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. > Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe. > > > __________ NOD32 1.916 (20041103) Information __________ > > This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. > http://www.nod32.com > >   -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe.