LABOR PAIN

A guide focuses on labor pain strategies.

According to Goer, many women assume, based on personal conversations and popular advice books, that labor pain must be managed with powerful medications—often found in the form of an epidural. During this procedure, anesthesia is injected into the body between the spinal vertebrae of the lower back. Though it may not always be the best approach to managing pain, this common procedure is often prioritized by a medical establishment that emphasizes predictability over personal needs, the author argues. While Goer acknowledges that an epidural can be beneficial, she contends that this strategy has many disadvantages, including increasing the cost of childbirth, delaying labor, impairing breastfeeding, and posing risks to the health of the child and mother. Instead of encouraging women to accept an epidural as the only choice, the author offers some thorough research to steer them on a path to self-advocacy regarding their childbirth experiences. From opioids and nitrous oxide to nonmedicinal strategies, such as warm water immersion, she carefully evaluates the pros and cons of various pain management approaches, revealing a spectrum of options that many women may be unaware of. While the research presented in this helpful guide is balanced, it is important to note that the author—now a seasoned obstetric researcher—is a former Lamaze teacher and doula who backs alternatives to an epidural, recommending the procedure only if it’s truly beneficial. Citing her own medicated labor experience, which left her feeling disempowered and disconnected, Goer conveys a deeply personal motivation for her advocacy. Along the way, the author challenges common beliefs that labor pain is inherently negative and that it is unmanageable for most women (“I believe that working with labor pain using non-drug strategies alone can have its rewards”). Arguing that labor sensations play a vital role in a woman’s understanding of her body, Goer seeks to connect individuals to this experience, creating memorable and meaningful childbirth journeys for mothers of all backgrounds.

A useful manual that encourages women to create powerful and personal childbirth experiences.