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walking epidurals
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Anonymous
| Does anyone have any experience with a walking epidural? Or experience at a hospital that wouldn't provide one when asked? |
Anonymous
|
From what I've heard, they're not commonly offered in this area. Our LaMaze instructor did say that the only hospital that she knows of in NoVA that offers them is Arlington.
I think she said they're not commonly offered due to liability issues? |
Anonymous
| Would that be VHC? I think that is the only delivery hospital in Arlington. |
Anonymous
| What doctor allows that? I was really interested in that, but baby #1 was born at Inova Fairfax, the Jiffy Lube of Delivery. |
Anonymous
|
I'm the 19:35 poster. I'm sorry, don't know what doctor, but yes she said VHC-Arlington.
I was interested because it's where I plan to deliver. I'm planning to ask about the walking epidurals on our hospital tour next month. I can report back when I find out. |
Anonymous
|
Every book talks about walking epidurals. I told my DH I wanted one (he's an anesthesiologist) and he said there is no such thing. An epidural will immobilize you from the waist down. There is no walking to be done.
Of course, I didn't believe him and asked when I went to the hospital. They told me the same thing. There may be some sort of numbing something that is called a "walking epidural", but if it's a real epidural, there will be no walking! I never did figure out what the books are referring to. |
Anonymous
|
OP here, A "walking epidural" is really called a combined spinal-epidural. Depending on how it is done and the woman, the amount of mobility differs. Almost all can walk, with support, to the bathroom and back, from what I've read online. And you aren't constantly hooked up in the back so that if you do have some freedom, you could be in different supported positions other than lying down. It also wears off after 4-8 hours so that you might be able to be totally able to fully squat, etc., when it's time to push. But it sounds like the timing isn't that precise, which is one reason I was looking for other people's experiences.
My group delivers at VHC so I will also report back when I get to talk to my OB about it next week. |