Obstetric Anaesthesia is a very rewarding practice. Assisting a family welcoming new life is a beautiful journey. With so many advances in modern medicine, it’s good to know you and your baby will be well cared for.

It is not uncommon for expectant mums to require the assistance of an anaesthetist for pain management during child birth. The type of anaesthesia that’s right for you and your baby is carefully considered in light of your medical background, chosen mode of delivery and your comfort during birth. Obstetric Anaesthesia is undertaken by a specialist Anaesthetist who has completed advanced training in obstetrics.

The most common type of anaesthesia for women giving birth is either via the spine or epidural space. These are known as regional anaesthetics because they numb only the lower part of your body allowing you to remain awake and enjoy the experience.

Most Caesarean Sections are done under regional anaesthesia. A common choice is a spinal block in which temporary pain medication is injected directly into the sac surrounding your spinal cord. Pain relief continues to be carefully managed in the days following a Caesarean Section. This is important to promote wound healing, mobilisation for the mother in caring for baby and breast milk production.

Here at Parkville Anaesthesia, our obstetric team have many years experience and have excellent spinal and epidural skills which are required to safely perform obstetric anaesthesia. We work closely with your obstetrician and paediatrician to ensure the best outcome for you and your baby.

Additionally…

Most modern analgesics are safe for lactating mothers.
It is safe to drink water up to 6 hours prior to your c section.
General Anaesthesia is reserved for certain emergencies and when spinal anaesthesia is contraindicated.
Your Anaesthetist should discuss the common side effects and more serious risks with you regarding the anaesthesia.