Table 3.33, Main resource requirements for epidural analgesia - WHO recommendations: Intrapartum care for a positive childbirth experience

Resource	Description
Staff	▪ An anaesthetist or other specialized health care professional with training in epidural insertion and management ▪ An obstetrician or other specialized health care professional with training in performing instrumental birth
Training	▪ Specialist medical training is required
Supplies	▪ Infusion solution, sterile pack (including gloves, gown, hat, mask, sterile drapes), epidural insertion kit, intravenous catheter, appropriate medicines for resuscitation, oxygen
Equipment and infrastructure	▪ Drip stand, infusion pump, full resuscitation equipment
Time	▪ Time to administer the epidural analgesia ▪ Time to monitor the woman and the baby during labour and after birth for side-effects
Supervision and monitoring	▪ Specialist supervision and monitoring ▪ Complications associated with epidural require specialist supervision and management by an anaesthetist and obstetrician (if assisted instrumental birth is required)

WHO recommendations: Intrapartum care for a positive childbirth experience.

Geneva: World Health Organization; 2018.

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Table 3.33Main resource requirements for epidural analgesia