Epidurals in the UK vs USA

[LorelaiLana]

From what I gather of all the developed countries...UK is the only one where they push for "natural" birth...to save money IMHO!!!....wonder how it is in other European countries...

 

[Kittifer]

From what I gather of all the developed countries...UK is the only one where they push for "natural" birth...to save money IMHO!!!....wonder how it is in other European countries...

Here in Belgium, no gas and air is offered. I'm not even sure any other form of pain relief is offered. It seems epidural or nothing.
I asked why gas and air wasn't an option and was told basically that (in his opinion) it was rubbish and pointless. I thought to myself, yes but I'd like the option...

Also it seems odd to me that in the UK they let you home the same day sometimes, but here the standard time to keep you in the hospital is 5 days.

 

[LorelaiLana]

I agree with ur Belgium medics assessment......and in UK it Wud be tortuous to anyone who had to stay more than 1 day in a small room crammed with beds with crying babies...it will be taking for the new mom n baby than relaxing or comforting...I m thankfulbthat they'd is no mandatory stay here...

 

[Kittifer]

Ah, rooms have only 2 people in here, so maybe that's why there's a big difference. For a relatively small extra fee I can have a room all to myself as well.

 

[LorelaiLana]

Lucky you... u can't even pay to get a private room...there is simply none or only 1/2 to go around...

 

[oaklvr]

Here in the U.S. most rooms are completely private. My first, I stayed in the room that I labored and delivered in. It had a private bathroom and tv. My second I went to a labor room, once again private, and delivered there. Once I was able to stand I was cleaned up and sent to the room where I stayed for 2 days. It's private also, just not a bed equipped for birthing. Own bathroom, shower, tv, room service for food. I would NOT want to stay in a place where it was shared.

 

[blue2]

For a recent discussion of this see Lesel Dawson's article in the UK Huffington Post. It is called:

Epidurals and Birth the American Way on One Born Every Minute USA

 

[MRSRICHRS2K]

i never had a epidural either and wont this time.. Im just using gas and air again... I found it really does take the edge off the pain x

 

[blue2]

And it gives you something to bite!

 

[Tiffany_]

canada does offer gas and air, but to be honest im only planning on using this as a plan b in case the epi doesn't work...they also offer different labor positions here where i live , we have the squatting bar , birthing chair...ect. they tell you about all your options , but never have i been pressured to either have a natural birth or a medicated one , they leave that up to you 100%. i believe it should remain a personal decision and no one should feel bad about either wanting an epi or wanting to do it naturally.