I always heard the Catholic Church said pain during childbirth was punishment for Eve's sin in the Garden of Eden. So do they frown upon or allow medication that eases the pain? Show your source if possible.
2007-08-09 05:38:22 · 11 answers · asked by ♫ Sweet Honesty ♫ 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The Church allows relief from pain, even the pain of labor. However, if a mother chooses to have natural child birth with no pain relief, she is encouraged to "offer up" the pain of childbirth for some prayer intention, sort of as a sacrifice.
Like the Mass which is a sacrifice, any pain we suffer can be offered in reparation for the sins of the living and the dead and to obtain spiritual or temporal benefits from God.
So pain can be useful to us spiritually. But we are not judged for wanting to find relief.
2007-08-09 06:18:27 · answer #1 · answered by Veritas 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
TENS machines are commonly used during childbirth in the UK, but in the US they are generally prescribed only by physical therapists for chronic pain. Some midwives and even doulas may carry them and be familiar with their use in childbirth. "Gas and Air" is also common in Europe, but I don't believe it has been approved for use in childbirth in the US. I'm not sure why not, to be honest, other than there is little demand for alternatives to the epidural. Basically, who's going to market gas and air to the FDA? Some doctors and Certified Nurse Midwives still use certain IV drip narcotics such as Nubain, Stadol, and Demerol. These have to be timed well so that they are turned off at least two hours before the birth in order to reduce the risk of respiratory problems in the baby. I didn't use pain meds during labor, but I did have a lot of supportive, knowledgeable people around me. I changed positions frequently according to what was comfortable at the time (something you can't do at all if you are paralyzed from the waist down from an epidural). I stayed upright throughout labor and birth, using "tools" such as the warm shower and a birth ball. Some people find water very relaxing, but I never had a water birth. A good doula can also be a wonderful resource for support during childbirth, regardless of whether you use medical pain relief.
2016-05-17 23:16:22 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Medical treatment that does not kill a human life is totally up to the Catholic person to work out with his/her doctor.
An epidural used to facilitate birth would not be banned in any way, shape or form. (And modern use of epidurals doesn't completely eliminate the pain, anyway. It only makes it more manageable for the women who need a little help...not all do, btw.)
2007-08-09 05:45:40 · answer #3 · answered by sparki777 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Church teaching on this is a matter of informed conscience--.
If it was created, and not against any of the 10 commandments, and not against the Beatitudes, by all means use it.
Yeshua's church (one holy catholic and apostolic-UNIVERSAL) is a common sense church of "many tribes".
It is NOT like that of the pharisees, laying rule upon rule upon the flock so such rules become a tether or stumbling block.
and Yeshua does not want His brothers and sisters to suffer needlessly.
Peace of Christ be with you.
2007-08-09 07:02:01 · answer #4 · answered by stbernice 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It is not just the Catholic Church that teaches pain is a consequence of the Original sin---it is ALL Christian Churches. The Catholic Church teaches that suffering is just judgement due to our sin but, it also teaches more than anything MERCY. So go ahead and be pain free ---- take advantage of the mercy of Christ---that is what he died for.
In addition, we are taught to see the face of Jesus in the suffering and so definitely we believe in pain killers as we take to heart Scripture that says "What you do unto the least of my brethren, you do unto me"
2007-08-09 05:44:06 · answer #5 · answered by Midge 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
No Catholic told you that.
That has NEVER been a teaching of the Church- about using pain meds, that is.
Having said that- I never used ANY pain meds in SEVEN childbirths.
Yeah, it hurts, but it isn't as bad as anyone makes it out to be. I kept focusing on the fact that the pain was temporary and when it was over, I would have my baby in my arms. I WALKED to the Maternity floor after my hour in recovery, and was on my feet and ready to take care of my family in 2 days.
Pain meds for labor are for wimps.
2007-08-09 09:09:48 · answer #6 · answered by Mommy_to_seven 5 · 1⤊ 4⤋
I dont know I had my second son in a catholic hospital and the nuns there... yes there were nuns in there praying for babies asked me if I would like them to get the anesthesiologist.
2007-08-09 05:42:06 · answer #7 · answered by Indiana Raven 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Us Catholics prefer good old fashioned whiskey.
Just kidding. Catholics have no opposition to pain medication.
2007-08-09 05:50:04 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
I don't think that we have a problem with it.
I have no source, but have never read anything about that.
Peace!
P.S. you might ask at www.Catholic.com
2007-08-09 06:00:48 · answer #9 · answered by C 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If that's true then based on that logic Catholics shouldn't go to doctors either. Silly isn't it. :(
2007-08-09 05:44:59 · answer #10 · answered by Machaira 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋