No matter which way you may be leaning in terms of pain meds during labor, it’s important to know all your options so that you can make an informed decision.
In this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, I speak with Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, Rachel Salem, about all your options for pain medicine during labor. Rachel shares the difference between a “walking” epidural and a standard epidural, how epidurals are administered, and dispels the myth that you need to hurry up and get an epidural before it’s “too late”. She also explains the pros and cons of narcotics like Stadol and Demerol.
In this episode you will learn:
- Learn about Rachel, how she decided to go into labor and delivery anesthesiology and completed her Doctorate in Nursing Practice.
- Epidurals
- How an epidural is given.
- Receiving an epidural the timing and sequence of events that occur before it’s administered.
- Is it ever “too late” to get an epidural?
- The difference between a combined aka “walking epidural” and a “standard epidural”
- The procedure for someone who does not have an epidural in place and needs a cesarean.
- What people can expect in terms of mobility with an epidural.
- The difference between an epidural and a spinal.
- An explanation of narcotics used in labor like Stadol and Demerol.
- The pros and cons of narcotics in labor.
- Nitrous oxide, the pros and cons.
- One final tip/piece of advice Rachel offers new or expectant parents.
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About Rachel:
Rachel Salem is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) with over ten years of critical nursing care experience. She received her nursing degree from the University of Delaware and completed her Doctorate in Nursing Practice at Rutgers University. Rachel delivers anesthesia in a variety of clinical settings including the operating room, cardiac catheterization lab, labor and delivery, endoscopy and interventional radiology. Rachel is a dedicated advocate for her patients and is humbled by the responsibility that she holds in delivering safe and effective anesthesia care. She lives in New Jersey with her husband and their two children, who inspire her daily.
Don’t forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE
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