No Epidurals for Nelson/Marlborough women

Just back from our parent centre meeting tonight. Seems the Anethetists in Nelson/Marlborough want more money, and as of January 1st will no longer be offering epidurals AT ALL. Even an emergency C section will only get a spinal block. Not even if you have high blood pressure or are induced.

Seems like we are reverting to the 1950's where MEN tell the WOMEN how to have their babies. No choice for mums at all.

One of our committee members is a midwife, so was telling us tonight. We are trying to get epople to get together and write/email etc about it and may even be going to the media. As the only (highly annoyed) pregnant committee member, and a memmber of the DHB new hospital planning committee (I'm the PC rep) I will be the "mouthpeice" for this by the looks of it.

I'm so steamed about this!! (and TERRIFIED!)

OMG - aaaargh!! I can't believe that!! If you get a petition or whatever let me know where to sign!! Maybe I don't wantto move to Blenheim after all grrrrrrr

well i'm not sure of the difference between a spinal block and an epi but i still think it stinks that they've just taken that option away! i would have been in a bit of a predicament if i hadn't had my epidural, at times they really are needed.
good luck with trying to get it changed, we'll all be rooting for you!

That is absolutely disgusting! Harrass your local MP- honestly torment them! Get everyone you know to write a letter- and write a letter to all your local papers. If you draw enough attention to it then hopefully people who pull stings will notice.

If I hadn't have had an epidural there is no way I would have been able to have a vaginal birth- I would have been forced to have a C/S. I was told exactly that by my midwife- I had been in labour ffor 3 days with no sleep and the only way I could rest up to be physically able to push her out was to have an epi. Its not just taking away the choice of pain releif- its taking away the option of a natural brith for some women!!!

I'll tell my Mum for you and see if there is anything she can do from her end.

gosh thats terrible! i'm in nelson and i'd be happy to sign a petition.

GRrr, good luck Annie! I agree totally about lots of letters and especially to papers, tv etc. You need people to get up in arms about it, unfortunately thats about the only way to get the government to listen to us.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention It will be affecting Nelson's hospitals as well...

I will sign one to help out. I'm sure I can rangle up a few friends from Motueka who had one to help out wiht the petition too

Totally understand Annie (and thats why we all LOVE ohbaby). But anyway, I was thinking someone good to get hold of would be Campbell Live - they are great with stuff like this. Not sure how to go about it tho...

I don't understand why you would get negative comments. i mean, every wants a so called "natural birth", but sometimes, it isn't possible. sometimes we need intervention. personally the thought that i couldn't have an epidural even if I needed one, would scare the crap out of me, and most women.