Important Notice regarding Epidural Pain Control and Epidural Anesthesia Services for Labour and Birth
Health-care institutions across North America are currently experiencing a shortage of the supplies needed to deliver epidural pain control and epidural anesthesia during labour and birth.
St. Joe’s is closely monitoring the situation and our teams are working diligently to ensure we continue to have adequate supply for our patients. We are also working with hospitals across Hamilton and the surrounding area to secure additional supplies and ensure health care teams make the best use of existing supplies.
However, these widespread shortages may affect our ability to offer you epidural pain control during your labour and the birth of your baby. In the event this is the case, you will be offered alternative pain control methods that are safe and effective to make your labour and birth experience as comfortable as possible.
We suggest that you talk to your obstetrical care provider about your pain management options prior to labour. Some safe and effective alternative pain control methods may include:
- Injecting medication into the back to numb the feeling of pain below a certain level of the body
- Pain medication delivered through intravenous (IV) or injected into the muscle
- Local anesthetic nerve blocks (Pudendal block)
- Therapeutic touch, breathing and positioning techniques and other methods without medication.
Your Clinical Care Team at St. Joe’s will do everything they can to keep you as safe and comfortable as possible. We will continue to provide you with the best care possible and discuss what options are available.
Talk to your care provider if you have any questions.