08. What IS an Epidural, Anyway? (Mini-Series Part 1)

But I thought you were "kinda crunchy"? Why are you talking about ePiDurAls? Well. Here's the thing, epidurals are THE most common childbirth intervention in the western maternity model of care and, just as with EVERYTHING else related to birth, I believe that being informed and educated about ALL your options (including this one) is extremely important.  We need to know what we are saying "no" to AND what we are saying "yes" to when we decline or accept any interventions during labor. And I hope this little mini-series on epidurals equips you to be able to do just that!    Some things you'll hear me cover in today's episode: The history of the epidural How the epidural works in the body How the epidural is administered Potential costs of the epidural A birth story submitted by one of my listener's! (Brittany Corn)  Mentions: Have your own birth story to tell?? I'd love to read it & feature it on a future episode! Share it with me HERE Scripture-Based Birth Cards  Enjoy today's episode?  ***The best way to let me know you did is by leaving me a written review on Apple Podcasts (I read EVERY one of them & they are truly such a blessing to my heart) & by sharing it with a fellow mama who could be helped or encouraged through tuning in to today's episode too! *** Want to connect with me directly? Please do!  Email me at: [email protected] Blessings,  Audrey   Resources: 1. History of Epidurals:    - [National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI): History of Epidural Techniques](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)   2. Administration of Epidurals:    - [Mayo Clinic: Epidural Procedures During Childbirth](https://www.mayoclinic.org)      - [Evidence-Based Birth: Epidurals](https://evidencebasedbirth.com)   3. Drugs Used in Epidurals:    - [Healthline: Understanding Epidural Medications](https://www.healthline.com)      - [Cochrane Library: Opioid Use in Labor](https://www.cochranelibrary.com)   4. Financial Costs of Epidurals:     - [Parents.com: The Cost of Epidurals in Childbirth](https://www.parents.com)      - [Consumer Reports: Hospital Costs for Epidural Services](https://www.consumerreports.org)   5. Luxury Epidural Options:    - [Evidence-Based Birth: Innovations in Pain Management](https://evidencebasedbirth.com)    Time Stamps (0:00) Introduction to the Epidural Mini Series (4:08) Understanding the Epidural: Pros and Cons (4:55) The Importance of Birth Stories (7:54) The History of the Epidural (7:54) How Epidurals Work: Administration and Effects (11:22) Cost of Epidurals and Insurance Coverage (17:17)Conclusion  epidural, childbirth, birth stories, anesthesia, labor pain, maternal health, epidural history, birth experience, pain management, healthcare costs