"I gave birth to my first child with epidural anesthesia in London, England," says Wioletta, mother of Tymon, who was born with epidural anesthesia the day before yesterday at USK in Rzeszów. "This type of support provides immense comfort for the woman, as there is almost no pain. My labor lasted several hours, and without anesthesia, it would have been much more difficult." "You practically don't feel any pain," adds Klaudia, mother of Pola, who was also born the day before yesterday with this type of support at USK in Rzeszów. "If women can give birth with epidural anesthesia, I highly recommend this method of pain relief."

 

Epidural anesthesia is a method of analgesia, which means pain relief associated with childbirth. It involves puncturing the skin of the lumbar region of the spine with a special needle, advancing the needle further while avoiding the bony structures of the spine into the spinal canal. This canal contains many structures, including the epidural space. By placing a thin catheter in this space, it is possible to administer local anesthetics, often together with other drugs that enhance their effect.

 

"This type of anesthesia is an absolute standard worldwide," says Wojciech Zawalski, acting director of USK in Rzeszów. "It is one of the most effective methods of pain relief and allows for an objectively comfortable way to go through childbirth. We also prioritize safety during deliveries, which is why the Clinic has dedicated anesthesiologists. I would also like to keep my promise, and from June, all deliveries at the Clinic, if there are no contraindications, will be conducted with epidural anesthesia."

 

According to survey data in Poland, only 14% to 17% of facilities perform such procedures. Primarily due to staffing shortages, the situation has improved little over the past few years.

"The entire Clinic team deserves thanks for positively approaching the idea of supporting childbirth with epidural anesthesia," said prof. Adam Reich, Rector of the University of Rzeszów. "The hospital is developing in the right direction. But for this to happen, peace is needed. Such processes require time and staff training. We want the care in the hospital to be at the highest possible level."

 

In the new, renovated delivery block at the Gynecology, Oncological Gynecology, and Obstetrics Clinic at USK in Rzeszów, 102 children have been born this year. The Clinic has the third level of reference in obstetrics and neonatology, which means the highest standards of care for newborns and their mothers.