I recently gave birth in a German hospital and received an epidural (PDA). Unfortunately it was the hospital's policy to only give one epidural "dose" (offering 1-2 hours of relief) during the delivery. Their philosophy was that I wouldn't push at the end if I didn't feel pain and that pain would make me feel more emotionally connected to my child.
My friends in the U.S. have had epidurals from the moment they walked in until they were getting stitched up. I hope to have another child and would prefer a longer epidural - at least from 8cm to the stitches.
Does anyone know if this avoidance of epidurals is a general German philosophy or if there are hospitals available who are more flexible in this area?
Thanks!
