The Birth Lounge Podcast

Before you say yes to an epidural, there are a few things you need to know about timing, positioning, and who's actually placing that needle in your back. Because an epidural can be an amazing tool, but you deserve to understand your options before you're mid-contraction, trying to make decisions while your uterus is doing the absolute most.

Let's be clear: an epidural isn't a failure, and an unmedicated birth isn't a gold star. The goal is for YOU to make the decision that feels right for you, with the information and support you need to make it. In this episode, HeHe breaks down five things to understand before getting an epidural, including what she calls the "rotisserie chicken" (yes, really), why lying flat after your epidural might not be your best move, and why every hospital's epidural medication protocol can look a little different.

HeHe also shares a piece of advice that might surprise you: if you're considering an epidural, it's worth talking with your provider about timing before labor, even if you're planning an unmedicated birth. Add in what HeHe has learned from an OB anesthesiologist she follows on Instagram, why the person placing your epidural matters, and how to communicate your preferences to your birth team, and you've got a conversation you want to have before you're in the birth room.

Because knowing what you want and feeling confident enough to speak up when you're in labor? Those are two very different things. That's exactly why HeHe created the Labor Live Challenge: to help you practice making decisions, asking questions, and advocating for yourself before the real-life contractions kick in.

In this episode:

• Why the skill and experience of the person placing your epidural matter, and what HeHe learned from an OB anesthesiologist she follows

• What the "rotisserie chicken" is and why positioning after an epidural deserves more attention

• Why epidural medications and protocols can vary between hospitals

• What to discuss ahead of time if you have allergies, concerns, or specific pain-management goals

• Why HeHe recommends discussing epidural timing before labor, even if you're hoping for an unmedicated birth

• How to figure out whether you're at a "hell yes" or a "maybe" when making a birth decision

• Who on your birth team needs to know your preferences and plan

• Why information alone doesn't equal preparation—and what your birth confidence score has to do with it

Ready to practice your birth decisions before you're in labor? The Labor Live Challenge starts on the first of every month. Get in there and practice advocating for yourself before you're trying to do it between contractions: https://joinlaborlive.com

If this episode helped you, rate and review The Birth Lounge Podcast! It helps other parents find the show and get the information they deserve.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Don’t Lie Flat
01:01 Birth Simulation Idea
02:37 Labor Live Challenge
04:08 Epidural Basics Intro
04:13 Anesthesiologist Skill
06:01 Rotisserie Chicken Positions
07:19 Medication Cocktail Goals
09:28 Purity Coffee Break
12:35 Timing Your Epidural
17:20 Practice and Wrap Up

CONNECT

HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/

The Birth Lounge on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.birth.lounge/

 

PURITY COFFEE

This episode contains an affiliate promotion. If you buy Purity Coffee using HeHe’s code, she may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Shop Purity Coffee with HeHe’s link and use code HEHE: https://puritycoffee.com/HEHE

 

KEEP LEARNING WITH HEHE

Want the exact words for asking for alternatives, taking time to think, or saying no? Grab Scripts for Advocacy: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy

 

LINKS MENTIONED

Labor Live Challenge: https://joinlaborlive.com

Purity Coffee (use code HEHE): https://puritycoffee.com/HEHE

Safepartum on Instagram (OB anesthesiologist HeHe learns from): https://www.instagram.com/safepartum/

Scripts for Advocacy: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy