Opinions differ about natural childbirth in the medical profession. There are physicians that feel that the long term consequences of pain medication are still not known and are best avoided and others doctors that feel that natural labor is analogous to undergoing natural dentistry.

There are several methods of dealing with the pain of labor; most involve a prenatal course of education, a technique of breathing and a lot of concentration. It is also best done as a team of two with the partner giving aid and encouragement. I am happy to work with any couple that desires to do this, I have been involved with some lovely births through this.

The medicines available for pain relief during labor are basically IN. (intravenous) pain medications and epidurals. Things done at the time of delivery (i.e. local injections and blocks) do not do anything to relieve the discomforts of labor.

The problems with I.V. medicine is that the labor pain is not eliminated, it is just lessened, but even to do just this it can make the patient sleepy and less alert during a very special time in her life (no one I know uses enough medicine to put the patient completely to sleep). The risks of LV, meds are: the rare reaction to the drug, slowing early labor and if the medicine is given within a half hour of birth the baby can be a little sleepy after the delivery. Clinical judgment can prevent the last two problems and the first is generally not a problem.

The epidural has come into very wide use in labor. It is like a spinal, but by using a tube that remains in place, the numbing medicine is put up around the spinal cord and not into it. This usually allows much more control of the level of pain relief. The patient remains completely alert and frequently retains the ability to move her legs, but she is virtually free of the pain of labor. This level of relief can be decreased to aid in effective pushing or increased to surgical strength should a cesarean section be indicated. The risks are: a reaction to the medication, inadvertent penetration of the membranes around the spine (this can lead to a terrible headache and also medication leaking onto the spinal cord can cause much more numbing than desired), this also can slow early labor and is therefore only given once the patient reaches about 4-5 centimeters of dilation at which time labor is less effected.

I do recommend, that whatever you do, you maintain a certain amount of flexibility in your birth plan; birth is a very dynamic process. Things do not always turn out as planned. I have seen laboring couples act like they have failed somehow by receiving some medication. The ultimate goal is to have as healthy a baby as possible. The birth of a child is the experience of you and your family, the only right way to do it is; what is best for you? If I can help you or give you more information, please, let me know.