The first caudal epidural analgesia to treat labor pain was administered by a German obstetrician named Walter Stoeckel in 1909 using procaine; however, catheters placed into the caudal epidural space were not introduced until 1931 by Eugen Bogdan Aburel. Lumbar epidurals replaced the caudal epidurals in the early 1960s because the lumbar epidurals were easier to administer and less painful for the woman giving birth. It was not until the 1970s that pain relief was able to be given during the early stages of labor. Before this time, pain relief could only be given at the time of delivery. During the 1970s and 1980s, continuous infusions were introduced to replace clinician boluses because the continuous infusions were safer for the women in
