How to Help Her get an Epidural

She wants her epidural and she wanted it ten minutes ago. Here’s how to support her while she’s getting her epidural.

• Keep her calm while you’re waiting for anesthesia. Depending on the facility, women may have to wait a little while for an anesthesiologist to be there. Get her through those contractions with breathing, focusing and positions and remind her help’s on the way.

• Help her as she’s getting the epidural. Epidurals are usually administered with moms curled into a C shape, with their back sticking out toward the anesthesiologist. Most anesthesiologists recommend moms curl into someone so she stays completely still and yet still feels supported while getting the epidural. Have the nurse show you how to help mom curl up. She’ll have to stay still for about 10-15 minutes while she’s getting her epidural, through a few contractions and she’ll need your help to do it. If she can’t curl into you, stay close, help her breathe and help her focus.

• Make sure moms understand what’s going on, she has all her questions answered and isn’t scared about the procedure. Most anesthesiologists will talk both of you through the procedure, letting you know what they’re doing at all times.

• Don’t watch the procedure, unless you really want to. The epidural is complex procedure involving needles, medicine and thin plastic tubing placed into your partner’s back. Even if you think you’ll be okay, avoid looking if you’re lightheaded from exhaustion or hunger.