Dr. Todd Owen Donato, MD

On behalf of my daughter we want to share this. She wanted to have a natural birth. Back labor, likely a posterior lie for the greater part of a 24 labor lead to her choice of adding an epidural to her care. Dr. Donato came to the birthing suite and methodically placed the catheter such that she had good coverage to about T-10. She was able to move and feel pressure but the relief to continue to engage in her labor, rest and move on to second stage was because of his work. Obviously, for safety, this meant that she needed to be at bedrest, but nursing support saw that she was turned, and shifted and monitored appropriately. A pump with the medicine allowed her to further titrate to need. Just prior to 2nd stage Dr. D's colleague came in and gave a bolus and increased the rate slightly. This continuous relief allowed all of us to focus on the birth in stead of wringing our hands and watching her tire. Pitocin was necessary to augment labor and well tolerated. Outcome of a two hour… second state: 8 pound 15 ounce baby boy. APGARs 9 and 9. Post delivery the catheter was removed and she was up to the bathroom, ambulating. She was amply hydrated during the labor and postpartum and had no side-effects from the epidural. Thank you Dr. Donato.