Okay. Wait.

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: audrey@faithfullabor.com

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

In today's conversation, my dear friend Emily Errington, a birth doula & the owner of Wildflower Doula Co. based in Lubbock,Tx, shares her insights on the various roles of doulas in supporting families during pregnancy, childbirth & postpartum.

Some topics you'll hear us discuss are:

• The importance of birth education for BOTH parents
• The dynamics between doulas & husbands
• How to navigate hospital birth plans
• The differences between nurse vs. doula support
• Navigating the complexities of various birth experiences
• The importance of emotional support during postpartum
• The role of faith in navigating labor's challenges.

Where can you follow along or connect with Emily?

• Wildflower Doula Co. on IG

I pray this conversation blesses you as much as it did me & that you leave it feeling more clear on WHAT a doula actually does & if hiring one for your upcoming birth is the best call for you.

Want to connect with me directly? Please do!

Email me at: audrey@faithfullabor.com

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! ***

Blessings,

Audrey

Time Stamps

(0:00) Introduction (3:08) Understanding the Role of a Doula (6:05) Want an Epidural? Here's What You Need to Know (8:57) The Importance of Education in Birth (11:53) Navigating Hospital Birth Plans (14:58) The Role of Nurses vs. Doulas (17:50) Advocating for Your Birth Preferences (29:40) Navigating Birth Plans and Interventions (31:52) Postpartum Support and Emotional Healing (36:01) The Role of Doulas in Birth Experiences (42:41) Faith and Peace in Birth Experiences (54:19) Final Thoughts on Birth Preparation and Support

What's covered today: doula, birth support, epidural, labor education, hospital birth, birth plan, maternal health, childbirth, doula role, birth experience, birth, postpartum, doula, emotional support, faith, interventions, labor, motherhood, healing, birth experience

In today's episode I have the absolute JOY of interviewing my friend and mentor Brittany McCardle of the Biblical Birth School.

Brittany is a wife, mom to *almost* 7, a childbirth educator, certified doula & founder for the Biblical Birth School -- a certification organization which trains & equips birth workers with a robust education on all matters of birth through a CHRISTIAN perspective.

I have completed Brittany's Childbirth Educator program and am currently enrolled in her Doula appointed program -- and let me just say, her programs are terrific. Thorough, FILLED with resources, book lists, community with like-minded, aspiring birth workers & ongoing, attentive support from Brittany herself.

Cannot recommend her or her programs highly enough.

We cover a WIDE variety of topics today like:

• What does the Bible say about eating your placenta
• Family planning & birth control
• What to do if I feel called to birth work but also feel woefully ill-equipped
• What does it look like to trust God in choosing your birth location
• How to represent Christ well when we speak about ANY topics (but obviously birth-specifically) on social media
• And more

It's a mixed bag. I'm here for it & I hope you are too!

Where can you follow along or connect with Brittany?

• The Biblical Birth School
• @thebiblicalbirthschool
• The Biblical Birth Podcast
• FREE "Is God Calling Me to Birthwork?" E-book!

I pray this conversation blesses you as much as it did me & that you leave listening to it feeling encouraged & excited & full of deeper faith as you prepare to labor with God & for His glory! Enjoy!

Want to connect with me directly? Please do!

Email me at: audrey@faithfullabor.com

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!

Blessings,

Audrey