July 19, 2023

20: Pain Relief with Dr. Puja Shah

1 hour

In today's episode, we will be interviewing Dr. Puja Shah, about epidurals and spinals, two pain management techniques for labor and birth, and how her own Cesarean birth has shaped how she approaches her career as an anesthesiologist. Dr. Shah is a double board certified anesthesiologist and interventional pain management specialist based out of New York City. Approaching wellness from the inside out, she uses her intensive medical training and deep understanding of the mind/body connection to deliver comprehensive pain management care to her patients.

In this episode:

Dr. Shah's own birth story (4:28)

What happens when Baby's heart rate decelerates in labor (5:10)

Different types of pain management options (7:42)

What exactly is an epidural and how does it work? (8:35)

What exactly is a spinal and how does it work? (10:06)

Differences in epidurals (11:07)

Most common question about epidurals (12:07)

Ensuring your epidural is working for you (13:35)

Dr. Shah's personal experience with epidural during birth (14:56)

How to avoid feeling like an epidural is wearing off (16:49)

Tips for overcoming fears of epidurals or spinals (20:23)

Complications associated with epidurals (21:55)

Tips for pushing with an epidural (25:51)

When to get your epidural during labor (29:22)

When is an epidural not an option and what can you do instead? (33:09)

Pain relief options for a scheduled C-section (38:13)

Why we don't use general anesthesia for C-section (40:15)

Common fears and side effects of pain relief measures during C-sections (45:15)

Pain relief options after birth (51:19)

What is a "tap block" and why is it a game changer? (53:32)

Follow Dr. Shah on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/drpujanyc/

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This podcast is sponsored by:

Needed is a nutrition company focused on optimal nourishment for your perinatal journey. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code MAMASTEPOD for 20% off your first order or three months of subscription.⁠⁠

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