The Cascade of Interventions: The domino effect in labor - 235

Welcome to episode 235 of the Pulling Curls Podcast! Today, host Hilary Erickson, a seasoned nurse and mom of three, dives into the concept of the cascade of interventions in childbirth. Hilary untangles how one medical decision can lead to another, influencing the course of labor and delivery. She discusses various scenarios such as inductions and epidurals, and shares personal insights to demystify the process. Join us as we explore how to make informed choices during labor. Let’s get those tangles out!

Big thanks to our sponsor The Online Prenatal Class for Couples -- it is going to help you make your own choices and understand how they can affect future choices, don't miss it!

Timestamps:

00:00 Epidural can lead to possible cascade of interventions. 04:45 Choices in childbirth impact future interventions.

Keypoints:

1. Definition of Cascade of Interventions: Hilary starts the episode by explaining the concept of the "cascade of interventions," which refers to a sequence of medical decisions during labor and delivery that lead to additional interventions.
2. Induction as an Example: Hilary uses the example of induction to illustrate how one decision (inducing labor) can increase the likelihood of subsequent interventions like a cesarean section or the need for an epidural.
3. Natural Labor Comparison: The host contrasts staying at home during early labor versus going to the hospital for an induction, explaining that the former can potentially reduce the need for an epidural.
4. Epidural and its Effects: Hilary discusses the procedures followed after choosing an epidural, such as administering extra fluids and potential adjustments if the baby shows signs of distress.
5. Personal Experience: Hilary shares her personal experience with being induced and her hesitations about interventions, specifically about breaking her water, which she held off on out of fear of a rigid commitment to further interventions.
6. Outcome of Decisions: Ultimately, Hilary acknowledges that refusing certain interventions initially made her labor longer, suggesting that embracing some interventions earlier might have led to a quicker delivery.
7. IV Placement Misconceptions: The episode addresses common misconceptions about the placement of an IV, clarifying that it does not necessarily start a cascade of interventions.
8. Philosophy on Making Choices: Hilary emphasizes that making one choice in labor can open some doors while closing others, akin to a "choose your own adventure" scenario, stressing the importance of making informed decisions at each step.
9. Advice on Managing Fear: Hilary advises against letting fear guide labor decisions, recommending that listeners embrace the necessary interventions as they come rather than worrying excessively about future possibilities.
10. Conclusion and Season Wrap-Up: The episode concludes with Hilary wrapping up season 5 of the podcast, thanking listeners and inviting them back for the next season after a summer break.

Producer: Drew Erickson

Keywords:

cascade of interventions, labor and delivery, epidural, c-section, induction, prenatal class, doula, pregnancy, childbirth, interventions in labor, IV fluids, Pitocin, blood pressure, delivery options, hospital birth, natural labor, labor choices, pain management in labor, maternal health, childbirth education, birthing process, labor induction risks, medical interventions during labor, pushing during labor, birthing experience, delivery complications, anesthesia in labor, pregnancy and parenting, choose your own adventure, labor progression.