Scholarship Recipient Update
Alexis Cook sent
NWAA an update on her progress at the end of her first semester at the University of Missouri, St Louis. She
explains the somewhat unexpected transition to a more rigorous academic program. Her article follows:
Over
all my 1st semester of college was a rigorous one and most definitely a transition! I now know that it
takes time management, lots of studying, determination, and organization to be a successful College Freshman. I would have
to say it was a drastic change because I don't feel I was as well prepared for college as some of my college classmates. In
high school, I was always a good student finishing homework and turning it in on time as well as challenging myself by taking
harder courses, but when it came to studying or actually reading the textbook I did not succeed in doing that as often as
needed which affected my grades a bit. Working and participating in sports also sometimes interfered with
my studying. I was constantly busy but did not always focus on academics as much as I should have. College
was a wake-up call demanding a new beginning. As I start my second semester, I have everything organized
and straightened out with work and classes which has helped me tremendously in working toward getting a better grade point
average. I will say I enjoy the college life much better than high school because of the longer breaks and shorter day! I
am certainly not complaining! As
I pursue my degree at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, I will be majoring in Nursing, graduating with a BSN.
Each newsletter offers some practical advice from our professional staff.
Dr.
Anne Estares has provided some information about Childbirth pain control
Childbirth
Pain Control
Labor pain can be treated with a spectrum of modalities. Natural childbirth
allows for breathing techniques and meditation to control
pain. IV pain medications can be given, but there is concern of the medications crossing the blood-placental barrier potentially
causing sedation and respiratory depression in the baby. Epidural anesthesia is a commonly performed procedure for pain control during labor. Advantages include
decreased pain and stress on the mother with minimal effects on the baby. The procedure is performed by first finding landmarks
on the patient's back. The area is cleaned and great care is taken to prevent infection with sterile techniques utilized by
the physician. A small needle is then used to numb the back. A larger needle is used to locate the epidural
space. This space is a potential area that allows for the medication to numb the nerves after they have branched off the spinal
cord. The area that is targeted is well below where the spinal cord ends therefore there is minimal risk of nerve damage.
A small hollow catheter is then threaded into the epidural space, the needle is removed, and the catheter is connected to
a pain medication pump. The anesthesiologist can then give medication through this catheter throughout the patient's labor.
The mother remains aware of the birth and is able to observe the procedure. The literature
states that labor is prolonged about 45-60min with an epidural in place with no definitive data stating that epidurals cause
the need for more c-section deliveries. After the catheter is placed, the patient loses sensation from the belly button down
with preserved muscle function. A urinary catheter is placed until the time of delivery and the patient must remain in bed.
When discussing
complications and risks with patients, we mention five concerns. The first includes "spotty" or one-sided coverage;
for example a woman receives an epidural and only has numbness on the left side of the body. This is often corrected with
a one-time higher dose of medication or adjusting the depth of the catheter. The second is the potential of a headache. This
procedure is completely done by feel and can cause a headache if the dural fibers, which are the fibrous tissues surrounding
the spinal fluid, are punctured with the needle. This happens fairly infrequently and is not dangerous. The three much less
common side effects are true of any invasive procedure: infection, bleeding and nerve damage. Sterile technique is used to
prevent infection and labs are drawn to check all blood and clotting factors. Rarely, a patient may experience "spotty"
numbness in the legs that can persist for a week or two. Overall, pain management during childbirth is up to the individual. There are many choices and as labor pain and conditions
change, a patient should always feel free to discuss her choices with her ob/gyn or anesthesiologist. Dr Anne Estares
NWAA Accepting Scholarship Applications
NWAA is now accepting Applications for our 2011 Scholarships. We currently
have enough members to offer four $500.00 scholarships, so if you haven’t joined again for 2011, please join.
We would love to grant five this year. It is your membership that we depend on to make the scholarships
available. Currently we have received three early applications, but we hope to get many more during April.
The deadline for our scholarships is May 1st, so it is imperative that you remind any women athletes you
know to apply for the scholarship at www.womenathletes.org. They can apply by mail or via email from the website.
MEMBERS NEEDED
Our membership is down from last year, so we
really need your renewal. We have a nice little gift for you when you renew your membership in NWAA.
Please join today!
Spa Retreat in the Works
The
president of NWAA is arranging a tentative Destination Spa Weekend during August, 2011. Keep this in mind
as you think about your plans for late summer. A weekend to look forward to!
