Labor can be unpredictable, and our dedicated labor and delivery nurses and doctors are equipped and ready to work with you every minute, to ensure a successful, healthy, and comfortable delivery for both you and your baby. Here are a few pain relief options to discuss with your doctor and determine what is best for you.

• BREATHING AND RELAXATION TECHNIQUES
  This includes walking, rocking, swaying, changing positions, showering, massage, guided breathing, listening to music and looking at imagery, and hot/cold therapy. These techniques are especially useful if you choose to have a non-medicated birth.
• NARCOTIC MEDICATIONS
  Pain medications are given through an IV and take effect quickly by lessening discomfort and making you drowsy, therefore allowing your body to rest. The medication will last several hours and wear off toward the end. We also administer narcotics by injection into muscle. It’s important to note that narcotics travel to the baby through the placenta, so we generally don’t give them too close to your delivery time.
• EPIDURAL ANESTHESIA
  This type of anesthesia is administered by an injection into your back to numb the lower part of the body. Your anesthesiologist will perform this once you have gone into active labor. Please note that it generally takes 15 to 20 minutes to achieve full effect. You’ll remain alert and the relief should last throughout labor. Since the epidural numbs the legs, you won’t be able to get out of bed during the procedure and your bladder may need to be emptied by a catheter.