As an IBCLC and ICCE (Internationally Certified Childbirth Educator
through ICEA) I have spent quite a bit of time in my classes teaching
the potential effects of epidurals, etc. I have had the head of
Anesthesia *looking * for me! (A warm feeling when you come in to
work!) He wanted to know what on earth I was teaching about epidurals
since he had had 2-3 patients that month claiming I had stated epidurals
WOULD cause a backache and an ineffective suck at the breast. After I
collected myself I calmly explained I had been teaching three classes
per week, 12-18 couples per class and had been doing this for years and
that many couples were bringing these particular issues up in class. I
explained I NEVER tell anyone that an epidural will (for sure) cause
anything to happen but that I do review the potential risks. The women
in question must have misquoted the information they received in class?
This Dr. screamed over the phone, "What risks, there are no risks!"
After again collecting myself I replied, "I review YOUR consents the
patients have to sign and then review the literature." He did quiet
down just a bit and I told him I would happily write down my philosophy
of teaching and my sources for him to review. I sent the letter and
info and never heard a word again. Although, I am quite sure my name is
thrown around! The head of anesthesia at our smaller hospital (where I
now work full time) had come up to me, shortly after this incident about
2 yrs ago, and asked if he could come observe my class. I said, "Of
course! You must have been talking with Dr. X at our other hospital."
He turned red and said, no, I don't know what you're talking about. He
never did come to my class.
I have had anesthesiologists and OB Drs, etc in my classes and never
once have they complained. Usually they tell me that I was very fair
with presenting the info.
The moms in my class are fully aware of the potential outcomes of
epidurals, but the majority of them still end up wanting it anyway.
Could it be the pitocin that is used so often or suggestive comments by
nurses and Drs.? Keeping moms in beds, vs up and about? I could go on
and on. I don't work Labor and Delivery anymore, my Blood Pressure
couldn't take it! Thought I'd dedicate most of my time to being an LC,
now there's a nice no stress job! Ha!
I am very lucky that my head nurse is very supportive of us educating
our moms to be and wants us to empower them to have the knowledge to
know of the alternative ways of delivering. We are using birthing
balls, aroma therapy, etc. Now, it does take cooperation of the nurses
and we need to work on many of their attitudes. We are having a CEU
class on the alternatives for labor and all L&D nurses MUST attend. Our
C/S rates are out of control! Not to mention the fact so many of the
babies can't seem to coordinate a good suck. Just wanted you to know
some Educators do try our very best to educate our parents to be but not
everyone is listening to us.
Pam Hendrix, RN, IBCLC, ICCE
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