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I have to admit, when I gave birth to my children, I put a lot of blind faith and trust in my doctor. I attended childbirth classes with my husband before the birth of our first child, but did little research on my own. I remember a brief discussion with my doctor about pain management where I decided that I would have an epidural if I felt it was necessary. However, I do not remember there being any discussion of my pain management options should I have needed a C-section. Thankfully, I did not need a C-section, but if I had, I probably would have blindly agreed to take any opioids or prescription painkillers that my doctor had prescribed. I think it is important for expectant mothers to learn about their pain management options before they are in the hospital. Once you are in the midst of pain, it is difficult to make rational decisions, because it feels like you would be willing to do almost anything to make the pain go away.
Plan Against Pain is an excellent online resource that educates patients about the potential side effects and addiction that can result from prescription painkillers. If you are planning to become pregnant, or are currently expecting, Plan Against Pain provides information about non-opioid pain-relieving options following C-section surgery. In the United States, overprescription has become all too common. Education is key in making sure that we as women make informed decisions regarding our health and well-being.