The Division of Obstetric Anesthesiology is dedicated to providing safe, effective and up to date anesthesia care to our laboring patients. The labor floor is staffed, 24 hours-a-day, 7 days a week by a team of anesthesiologists, with a special interest in caring for the woman in labor, assisted by anesthesia residents and/or certified nurse anesthetists. We want to work with you to provide the care you need to help make the birth of your child a memorable and comfortable experience.

The anesthesia team cares for over 5000 pregnant women each year. We provide a broad range of services for both low and high-risk pregnancies. An anesthesia consult service exists so that you can meet with an attending anesthesiologist prior to labor if you or your obstetrician/midwife feels this would be of benefit. Patients with chronic medical conditions, medical complications of pregnancy, prior back surgery, or if you have any questions are urged to make an appointment to meet with an anesthesiologist attending for consultation.

After you arrive to the labor floor, you may request to speak to an anesthesiologist about your options for labor pain relief. Typically this is done when you request labor pain relief. At that time your obstetrician or midwife will call for an anesthesia evaluation. A member of the anesthesia care team will see you and perform a brief history and physical examination to determine the best anesthetic for you. They will discuss the anesthetic plan, explaining both the benefits and risks, before you receive the anesthetic.