Mothers Have Pain Relief and Experience Joy of Birthing
Many mothers can tell stories of long hours in unrelenting pain to bring their precious son or daughter into the world. At St. Clare Hospital and Health Services, however, women in labor have a medical option that minimizes pain yet doesn't take away from the overwhelming joy of delivery.
Medically, it's known as intrapartum intrathecal narcotic analgesia. "It's similar to what many people call a walking epidural," explains Teresa Hays, RN, head of St. Clare Childbirth Center.
Though, from a medical standpoint, it shouldn't be confused with an actual epidural. "An intrathecal is similar to an epidural in that it provides pain relief," Hays says. "But it's different because women can still walk around, feel their contractions with much less associated pain, and have the urge to push during critical stages of delivery."
The intrathecal narcotic is injected into the lumbar spine area and it's relief can be felt within five minutes. It's affect can last two to eight hours, depending on the woman's labor and the drugs administered.
"It's been an excellent pain-relief option," adds Dr. Dan Trotter of Medical Associates Clinic in Baraboo. "I usually tell expectant mothers about the availability of intrathecal analgesia during an office visit. They are reassured to know there is something to help them if their labor is long and painful."
St. Clare was the first rural hospital in Southern Wisconsin to offer women intrathecal analgesia. Since then, the hospital staff has been called on by other medical professionals to provide training on assessing, administering and monitoring women who select this pain relief option.
|
Print View