If you are having your baby in the hospital, you need to be informed about the epidural, whether your plan is to utilize it or not. In fact after this episode you may decided to definitely not use the epidural and it may be easier for you to avoid the epidural after you learn all about it. Let’s get informed on the epidural! In this episode I discuss: -Risks and benefits of the epidural, the most popular form of pain management in the hospital birth. -How the epidural is placed and the two most common ingredients, bupivacaine and fentanyl. -What to expect if you ask for an epidural, and how being partially informed while in labor is not fair to moms, nor is it true informed consent. -Alternatives to the epidural and the pros and cons to IV narcotics, nitrous oxide and unmedicated pain management tools More episodes you’ll love: 122 | the 90% epidural rate makes natural birth in the hospital almost impossible 120 | There wasn’t an epidural at this hospital, a first time mom’s planned unmedicated hospital birth, with Ariana Heisler 90 | Labor pain has purpose, how feeling the pain of birth is helpful to your baby 73: Deep Dive on Newborn Screening Want to work with me? Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club Submit a question or testimonial for the show: Leave me a voice message