The IJOA Podcast

In this episode, we discuss the work and dedication required to present the Ostheimer lecture and the lessons learned along the way. We discuss some of the studies that are a "must know" if you are an anesthesiologist, obstetrician, L&D nurse, researcher, or advocate for maternal health

In this episode, we dive into how racism, discrimination, and implicit bias shape the assessment and treatment of childbirth pain in the United States.
Drawing from the recent scoping review, “Discrimination, racism, and bias in childbirth pain management in the United States,” we unpack the literature documenting disparities in labor pain assessment, analgesia access, neuraxial uptake, communication patterns, clinician decision-making, and patient–provider trust. We explore how historical stereotypes, structural inequities, and unequal power dynamics continue to influence whose pain is believed—and whose is undertreated.

Whether you are an anesthesiologist, obstetrician, L&D nurse, researcher, or advocate for maternal health equity, this episode provides a clear, evidence-based look at how bias influences childbirth pain management—and what our field can do to change it.

In this episode, Dr. Hofkamp and Dr. Luke delve into their research on pain during cesarean delivery (PDCD). Unfortunately, PDCD is a growing problem in the United States and other countries as well. Until recently, most research related to this topic has relied on the actions (e.g., administration of opioids) taken by anesthesiologists rather than on what matters, patients' experience. There is a significant difference in the incidence of PDCD between Dr. Luke’s and Dr. Hofkamp’s research. What drives these differences? What can we learn from these researchers? Additionally, Dr. Vogel, a leading expert in trauma-informed care, discussed the acute and long-term sequelae of PDCD with us, and she serves as our patients’ advocate throughout the podcast.

https://www.obstetanesthesia.com/article/S0959-289X(24)00336-4/abstract
https://www.obstetanesthesia.com/article/S0959-289X(24)00247-4/abstract
https://www.obstetanesthesia.com/article/S0959-289X(24)00293-0/abstract

In this episode, Professor Ginosar reminds us that reports in obstetric anesthesia have historically tended to infer causality rather than casual associations. His witty study is an excellent example of approaching fundamental questions. Through a reductio ad absurdum design, he demonstrates the pitfalls of making inferences like epidurals increasing the incidence of cesarean deliveries, autism, or other outcomes associated with intense labor pain and neuraxial labor analgesia.

Our editor-in-chief shares the inspiration behind the IJOA podcast and introduces the first three episodes, which will be released soon. Stay tuned for these episodes and more exciting content in the future.