Epidurals may not be offered to pregnant women, but alternative measures will be found, says Newfoundland and Labrador's largest health authority. Dr. Dolores McKeen says doctors "are committed to try to make the birthing experience as painless and as comfortable for women" as they can.
The IWK Health Centre is reassuring expecting parents that its supply of epidural catheters is “stable.” The message from the Halifax hospital comes amid a global shortage of epidural supplies that is affecting some Canadian provinces.
Expecting parents in British Columbia may be impacted by a shortage of the tubes used to provide pain medication through epidurals during labour and delivery.