Jonathan:  I think intrathecals are better for labor (at least) than
epidurals because they don't automatically restrict mobility.  I have not
placed them myself, but some of the anesthesiologists will use them. Also,
some of them are using less anesthetic and more analgesic in the epidural,
which seems better as well.  I don't have enough experience with them yet
to know how they compare in their effect on the baby.  I expect it will be
like IV narcotics, but perhaps to a lesser degree since the blood levels
should be lower.  Since I can do spinal taps, I should be able to do
these, but anesthesia privileges in our hospital have to be approved
specially and I haven't sought them yet.

Anyone else have more experience?

 --
Anne Montgomery, M.D.  [log in to unmask] St.Peter Hospital
Family Practice Residency Olympia, WA