Metro Mama

To submit a question for our experts, send an email to info@mymetromama.com with the subject "labor pain".

About the Experts

William Camann, M.D., is the director of obstetric anesthesia at the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, one of the most respected health care institutions in the world. Dr. Camann is also an associate professor of anesthesia at Harvard Medical School, and immediate past-president of the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology. Dr. Camann is an internationally recognized authority on obstetric anesthesia and pain control during childbirth He has authored numerous research articles, reviews, editorials and commentaries, and has lectured in major universities and post-graduate symposia throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, and South America, including a lecture to the general assembly of Doulas of North America (DONA) at the national convention in 2005. Dr. Camann has appeared on various local and national news programs including The Today Show with Katie Couric, ABC World News Tonight, Good Morning America, and has been interviewed in The New York Times, Newsweek, Child Magazine, Health Magazine, FitPregnancy, Pregnancy Magaine, American Baby, Babyzone.com and many other publications.

Kathryn J. Alexander, M.A., a mom of two beautiful little girls, is a former child and family therapist and worked in the health care field for over 15 years. Now a freelance writer, her work has appeared in many national parenting publications and women's health web sites, including ePregnancy Magazine, Charlotte Parent, Mommy Too!, Atlanta Baby, Boston Parents Paper, B.A.B.Y. Magazine, and parenthood.com. Ms. Alexander and Dr. Camann have been interviewed on The Mommy Chronicles, the Matt and Ramona show, Michael Roizen's "You: The Owner's Manual", PregTASTIC.com Pregtastic Podcasts, and several other radio shows.

Ms. Alexander and Dr. Camann are co-authors of the critically acclaimed book: Easy Labor, Every Woman's Guide to Choosing Less Pain and More Joy During Childbirth. This book offers advice on how to experience more joy and less pain during childbirth by promoting the use of the best medical and non-medical pain relief techniques. Random House/Ballantine Books, 2006. http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/0345476638.

Your Questions Answered...

Q. I am deathly afraid of needles! How intrusive and/or painful is the actual inserting of the epidural? After the epidural has been given, how quickly does it work and how long does it last?

A. All epidurals are inserted using a local anesthetic in the skin before the needle is placed. We describe the entire process in detail in Easy Labor, Chapter 4, (p. 77) in a section entitled "Your epidural step-by-step: how it is done and how it feels." Once the initial injection of local anesthetic is made into the skin, the actual insertion of the epidural is generally not that uncomfortable. After the epidural is inserted, most women begin to feel
comfortable within 10-20 minutes. A newer variety of the epidural, which is increasing in popularity, is the combined spinal-epidural (CSE). With a CSE, the onset of pain relief is usually within a minute or two. I use CSE very
frequently in my own practice, but it is not available at all hospitals, so I encourage you to speak with your anesthesiologist when you are in labor to discuss specific options available at your hospital.



Q. What alternatives to an epidural are the best for pain and keep me mobile?

A. The list of options is long, and will also depend on what's available at your particular place of birth. However, some of the more common options include soaking in warm water (either in a tub or as a shower), changing positions, massage, hypnosis (requires some preparation prior to labor to be most (effective), using a doula, or using narcotic injections, among others.

Also keep in mind that many of the modern-day epidurals allow you to retain a fair or even complete degree of mobility. While in most hospitals you won't be able to actually get up and walk, you will most likely still be able to move around in bed, change positions, sit up, and assist with pushing out the baby.

The advice is presented for educational and entertainment purposes only. Statements and opinions should not be considered fact or medical advice. Consult with your health care provider for questions regarding your health.