You still might change your mind: Many people choose
epidurals because that is the only thing they have heard about,
that is what their family or friends had when they were pregnant,
that is what their doctor suggests, etc. Many have not had the
chance to examine other options and weight the pros and cons
of each. However, as I mentioned before - there are many different
options... and the process of becoming educated and informed
about these options may cause you to reconsider what you want!
You might not be able to have an epidural: Although
you may have decided to have an epidural, there are situations
that exist where an epidural is not an option. For example, there
are medical conditions that make an epidural too risky for the
patient. Childbirth education will prepare you and educate you
about other options should you be one of the people that cannot
have an epidural.
Epidurals don't always work: As much as I'd like to
be able to say that anesthesia always works - it simply is not
true. Epidurals are usually very effective, but like any other
procedure there is the chance that yours won't work or will only
work partially. Again, knowing about other methods of pain control
and other options will become important if you experience this
problem.
You'll learn about epidurals: The classes teach you
many things - one of which is how an epidural works, what it
can and cannot be expected to do, etc. This will help you have
the proper perspective and expectations in advance. In addition,
you'll learn how an epidural is placed, what the proper body
position is for placement, etc. These things will help you with
the technical aspects of having an epidural done.
Education helps you be less nervous: Even if you've
chosen an epidural and you're convinced that it is the right
choice for you - you may still be nervous, anxious or afraid.
Education goes a long way to reducing fear and anxiety.
There are other benefits of childbirth education: There
are other benefits to childbirth education that are unrelated
to, or more general than, the issue of epidurals and pain relief.
Let's take a look at some of these...
