Midwives say women should pay for epidurals

[TheDullWitch]

At least £500 a baby it says here

Flossam, I think there is an argument that that is a correlation and does not prove cause and effect.

I'm really just saying that there are different schools of thought in childbirth, and that what was stated as fact on here is really more of an opinon. I believe that a medicalised birth is a good thing. I have every right to persue that method of childbirth. Likewise, those who believe a natural homebirth is best, have a right to go that route.

Actually, the midwives I spoke to (and one may have been from the RCM, come to think of it) about epidurals when I covered them for a pregnancy mag a while back pointed out that the new, lighter epidurals do not necessarily interfere with the pushing stage (mine didn't); not least because midwives have learned not to encourage women to push until the baby's head is really quite low down.

Statistically, the risk of intervention goes up from eight per cent to 12 per cent. That is not a huge increase. It is also, importantly, based predominantly on studies from the old-style immobilising epidurals which - see my point above - are increasingly being phased out.

A lot of anti-epidural feeling is based on the idea it's somehow messing around with nature, forgetting that nature kills off an awful lot of in childbirth anyway.

And there are lots of interventions for 'natural' things - like diabetes - which personally I'm all for intervening in. Alzheimers is perfectly natural, but I think new drugs to combat it are a Good Thing.

What 'everyone knows' is what 'everyone's told'.

Absolutely ridiculous. If they are good midwives, they should be able to get those women who they think 'shouldn't' have epidurals (although I'm still unsure why they shouldn't) through their labours drug-free. My epidural was absolutely fricking fantastic and I'd recommend one to anyone. First 12 hours - complete nightmare for me, dh, mother (and poss dd too). Last 3 hours post epidural - stress-free and exciting.

I wanted to have a natural a labour as possible, but also wanted to keep an open mind about pain relief as I had never done childbirth before! By the time I decided I couldn't take the pain anymore it was discovered that I was fully dilated and so it was too late for the epidural. (In the end I was glad I hadn't had one, but that's beside the point.) At that point in time though I NEEDED an epidural NOW! I just don't think money should come into it. FGS it should be the last thing on your mind in the throes of labour!
Incidentally, re. what you said about lighter epidurals, I asked about a 'mobile epidural' at my ante-natal classes and the midwife told me they weren't available at my hospital - something to do with it being a health & safety risk...

How would they decide when it was a 'medical need'? WTF?

Let them get away with this one and I can see it now?

paracetamol = £1.50 a go
gas and air = £5 a puff
use of their birthing ball = £100
diamorphine = £200 a shot
induction = £250 a dose
syntocin = £200 a drip
use of forceps = £300
epidural = £500
use of birthing pool (for pain relief) = £1000
c section = £2000
etc.

OK, not really - but it is the thin of the wedge.

I can make up my own mind as to how much pain I am in and if I need relief. I should be allowed to do so and take relief if required. I am an adult and bale to make my own choices. My choices should not be linked to my financial situation!

Bet if mine were the ones having babies, this wouldn't even be being considered!

That's right Hulababy, if you say you want pain relief, you need it and that is a valid medical reason.

LOL, Hula! Can you imagine if men had babies? I'll bet the entire maternity ward would consist of single, ensuite rooms. There'd be no 'rooming in'. And every patient would have both a midwife and a nurse on call.

if men had babies they would have invented a side zip by now to aid removal

DOn't you think there should be research into a beter form of pain relief than epidural. First labour had epidural and it was awful. Couldn't feel to ppush and had forceps with epis. Following weeks were terrible. I couldn't stand,sit or have sex painfree for about a year. I'm sure this affected my bonding along with sore nipples.

Second labout I had no pain relief not even gas and air (didn't plan this) and bounced back after a couple of hours although I do remember thinking I want to die. I had two fantasic midwives who I could hear throught the mists of pain and their voices coaxed me through. I remember asking them for all the pain relief they had. I think they may have forgotten.

I do think the choice should be open to all women. It is fantastic pain relief but it can bring with it complications.

If you need an epidural, have one.

But don't go into the delivery room knowing nothing about childbirth and your choices and rights.

And don't be in there with a midwife who won't inform and support your decision.

I've had two 8lb+ babies with no pain relief. But I never ruled anything out and if I'd felt unable to cope without an epidural, I'd have asked for one.

If midwives want to reduce the number of epidurals, let them campaign for better care of women in labour. THey should be on every news programme and lobbying every MP and minister to train more midwives, pay them a living wage while training to cut the drop-out rate, and fund hospitals to actually employ more midwives. Don't attack the patients for being at the mercy of the system - change the flipping system!

Stands up cheering wildly at Edam's post (actually, not, my boss is in the room atm, but I am cheering inwardly)!

if men had to go through labour the human race would have died out ages ago

Absolutely agree Edam, yes, yes. Is someone going to forward this thread to the RCM?

There's the One Mother One Midwife campaign

I still have to point out that you can have excellent, fabulous midwife care and still want an epidural. Yes, we need far better midwife care, but I would hate that to be an either/or issue.

is this some half-cocked bid by the RCM to provoke the nation into debate about the lack of adequate maternity services in the NHS?

Or are they really so far up their own ar$es that they think all those women begging and pleading for epidurals are just wimping out?

This is the kind of thing they should be debating imho.

HM, great minds...

CM - you just beat me to it - i was going to post teh same link. Please look veryone and sign the petition (I posted it previously on its own thread)

Quite right MI.

I would not have liked to be standing outside the delivery room trying to decide whether I'd choose a midwide and no epidural or an epidural and no midwife!

I think both play are an essential part of letting women have some degree of control over the birth they choose!

What next charging for a home birth on the basis it is more expensive to provide one on one midwife care in the home!

slightly off topic but related - my friend had her two children in Japan where they didn't offer epidurals - end of story. and I am sure I have read that in some European countries they are not easily available for pain relief purposes (as opposed to anaesthesia for a CS for example). I am not saying that is right but it is interesting how in other developed countries there are different expectations about pain/pain management.