Myth #1 : An epidural can cause lasting numbness or back pain. Truth: You may feel a little pain in your lower back, but this will go away within a few hours or days. Myth #2 : Having an epidural means you didn’t experience “real” childbirth. Truth: Every woman’s childbirth is different. Many women say pain relief helped them focus during birth. Myth #3 : Everyone involved in the child's birth must agree for you to have an epidural. Truth: Choosing to have an epidural is your decision; choose the option that feels right for you and for your baby. Is an epidural right for me? A g u i d e t o e p i d u r a l s f o r I n d i g e n o u s c h i l d - b e a r i n g t e e n s If childbirth pains are too much you may want to get an epidural. By: Laira Arnold, Paige DeMong, Lindsay Doig, Ashlyn Froelich, Shaelyn Putnam, Abby Scott, Reece Steacy & Carl Uy Epidural myths What about my culture? For more information and resources near you, visit the Saskatchewan Health Authority Website by following the URL or QR code below. To speak directly to an expert for health advice, dial 811. Your hospital may have an Indigenous Birth Support Workers to help you before, during, and after birth. They can offer cultural practices such as smudging and sacred medicines. For more info, contact: 306-514-7978 References: Angle, P., Kurtz Landy, C., Charles, C., Yee, J., Watson, J., Kung, R., Kronberg, J., Halpern, S., Lam, D., Lie, L. M., & Streiner, D. (2010). Phase 1 development of an index to measure the quality of neuraxial labour analgesia: Exploring the perspectives of childbearing women. Canadian Journal of Anesthesia , 57 , 468-478. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12630-010-9289-1 Budin, W. C. (2015). Choosing wisely for birth. The Journal of Perinatal Education , 24 (1), 3-5. https://doi.org/10.1891/1058-1243.24.1.3 London, M. L., Ladewig, P. W., Ball, J. W., Bindler, R. C., & Cowen, K. J. (2011). Maternal and child nursing care (3rd ed.). Pearson. Newnham, E. C., McKellar, L. V., & Pincombe, J. I. (2015). Documenting risk: A comparison of policy and information pamphlets for using epidural or water in labour. Women and Birth , 28 (3), 221-227. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wombi.2015.01.012 Nutter, E. (2016). Decreasing vulnerability in childbirth: Waterbirth in military treatment facilities. Caring for the Vulnerable , 4 , 253–262. Toledo, P., Sun, J., Peralta, F., Grobman, W. A., Wong, & A., Hasnain-Wynia, R. (2013). A qualitative analysis of parturients’ perspectives on neuraxial labor analgesia. International Journal of Obstetric Anesthesia , 22 (2), 119-123. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijoa.2012.11.003 Webster, J., Sanders, C., Ricci, S. S., Kyle, T., & Carmen, S. (2020a). Nursing Management During Labour and Birth. In Canadian maternity and pediatric nursing (2nd ed., pp. 501-502). Wolters Kluwer. Webster, J., Sanders, C., Ricci, S. S., Kyle, T., & Carman, S. (2020b). Nursing Management During Pregnancy. In Canadian maternity and pediatric nursing (2nd ed., pp. 387-446). essay, Wolters Kluwer Health. https://www.saskhealthauthority.ca/your-health/conditions- diseases-services/healthline-online/tn7466 Other ways to help with pain Changing positions - from lying down, kneeling, sitting, to walking every 30 minutes. Deep breathing - used to help you feel calm and relaxed. Massage - helps relax tense muscles. Hydrotherapy - soaking in warm water can make labour cramps less painful. Aromatherapy - natural oils can be rubbed into your skin or breathed in. What is an epidural? How does an epidural work? Who can get an epidural? Risks of an epidural Benefits of an epidural An epidural is a needle given in the lower back to reduce pain below the waist during birth. You will feel a poke from the needle, but when the medicine works, there should be no pain. An epidural lessens pain during birth by making your lower body feel numb. You can still feel pressure, light touch, move your legs, and be part of the birth process. Pain relief while staying awake for childbirth. You can still walk early in childbirth and push effectively when the time comes. Option available to give more medicine at the push of a button. Low chance of serious side effects. Women giving birth wanting pain relief Women who may need surgery to take the baby out (c-section). Most women giving birth are able to get an epidural. Please talk to a doctor if you have questions. There is a small chance the epidural won't take away the pain. Peeing and pooping may be harder to control. Feeling dizzy or like you might throw up. Headache, itchy skin, fever. May make breastfeeding harder. Epidurals will not cause long-lasting harm. The doctor may have to use tools to help get the baby out. It may slow the baby's breathing and heartbeat but nurses will help bring them back to normal. It may cause a longer birth, which may cause the baby to have their first poop while still inside you. This can cause infection to the baby. For you: For the baby: Lower back Where is an epidural given?