Epidural class not required at Saint Francis Medical Center

Pain relief options, including epidurals, are a topic of discussion in Saint Francis Family BirthPlace class programming. However, mothers giving birth at the Family BirthPlace are not required to attend a separate epidural class in order to receive that option of pain relief during childbirth.

This public announcement comes after many women have called the medical center inquiring as to whether an epidural class is offered or required before delivering at Saint Francis.

"Education about epidurals and other pain relief options is provided as part of our Preparation for Childbirth Class," said Jane Stuart, director of Maternal and Child Nursing Services at Saint Francis Medical Center. "However, we don't demand women take a specific epidural class in order to have that pain relief option available during delivery.

"Whether or not an epidural class is required attendance by patients is up to individual hospitals or doctors. At Saint Francis, we believe each delivery is unique. We can't expect a woman to know if she'll want that option until the moment arrives. And no woman should be denied an epidural during delivery because she hasn't taken a class on it."

Another feature of Saint Francis Family BirthPlace is that physicians administer epidurals.

"Anesthesiologists here will be responsible for providing epidurals and other anesthesia to women who request pain relief during childbirth," said Stuart, adding that an anesthesiologist is a specially trained, highly skilled physician. Anesthesiologists complete four years of college, four years of medical school and four more years of anesthesiology residency.

The Saint Francis Family BirthPlace nursing staff includes neonatal nurse practitioners, licensed nurse practitioners and registered nurses with more than 20 years of experience.

"Our nursing staff has experience specific to LDRP care, a concept of birthing new to the Cape Girardeau area," said Stuart.