Childbirth in the USA is often looked at as “torture” or “traumatizing,” and unfortunately many babies suffer due to the high rate of fear pregnant women suscept themselves to.

A study performed by Standley K, Soule AB in 1974, reviewed the correlation between local-regional anesthesia and newborn behaviors. The newborns behaviors were rated by the Brazelton Neonatal Assessment Scale. The study found that three days after being born, the infants were more irritable and less motorically mature than the infants whose mothers had not been medicated.

In the late 70′s and early ’80s, the anesthesia dosages given were very close to the amount given to women in childbirth today. So, we can see this study as very relevant even though it was performed more than 30 years ago.

These results were taken from Gentlebirth.org

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