The answer is a resounding YES!
The relief of pain does not obviate all other emotional distress and anxiety during the labor process. There are still very real concerns about the welfare of your baby, length of your labor, fear of the return of pain if the epidural wears off, fear and anticipation of the approaching second stage of labor, fear or alterations in body image and loss of dignity during childibrth, among many others. All of these are still very valid sources of anxiety, even in the presence of a well-functioning epidural. Also, in most hospitals, a laboring woman is expected to spend at least some amount of time in early labor prior to receiving their epidural and continued labor support during this time of "waiting" for your epidural is very important!
Continued emotional support and reassurance provided by a professionally trained and certified doula is invaluable to women receiving epidurals, given these circumstances! If you are considering using epidural analgesia, a doula can still be of great value to and your partner during labor!
