We will support the techniques learned in your childbirth classes to help you cope with the intensity of labor. We also have birth balls, birth stools, exercise balls, and birth swings in some birth suites available to you.
Many clients get relief in the tub and shower. Clients who labor in upright positions with the support of family and The Midwife Center team report that labor is far more manageable and empowering.
Nitrous Oxide
We are pleased to be one of the few places in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area to offer Nitrous Oxide for pain relief. Nitrous Oxide is an odorless, tasteless gas-mixed with oxygen. It is widely used in several countries including the UK, Finland, Sweden, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It is inhaled through a mask during contractions and provides a feeling of euphoria that dulls the intensity of the labor pain and reduces anxiety.
Clients remain awake and alert, using the gas as needed. There are no negative effects on labor and no risk to baby. One study showed it decreased the length of labor.
Since we began using it in 2016, our midwives report that it is an excellent tool to be used when clients might have otherwise transferred for an epidural.
Some insurance plans cover the cost of using nitrous; please check with your plan for details. The out-of-pocket cost is between $50- $200 depending on the length of time spent using it. Some clients may qualify for sliding scale decreased cost for the Nitrous use. Please ask at our front office for further details.
Nubain and Morphine
We also have short acting pain medications Nubain and Morphine available that can be given through an IV or as an injection. It is often given for sleep/rest in early labor, but can be useful for pain relief as well. These medications are short acting narcotics.