This is something I've hear HUNDREDS of times. From women who hire me as a doula, to women who know that I'm a doula and feel a need to share. I love it when people share with me their thoughts around birth and motherhood, it's a gift and an honor.
I want to gently clear up a common misconception:
you need to be “good with pain” to have an epidural-free birth
It's simply untrue.
It’s okay if that idea has crossed your mind—it makes total sense. But here’s the truth: labor pain is not like other pain. Trust me, I've torn muscles, have battled chronic tension headaches, had a lumbar disc go out of place, experienced the pain of sciatic nerve compression, gosh I had MRSA on my knee that immobilized me for days.
That's not what labor pain is like.
First, it comes periodically. Contractions, on average are about 60 seconds.
Second, it usually builds up. Your first contraction likely won't be even a full minute.
Third, they go. Unless your baby is malpositioned i.e. "sunny side up" you get a break, usually several minutes long.
Those breaks matter. You sip your water, maybe re-apply lip balm, relax your body and reset your mind.
Also, science shows that how we think and feel during labor can actually make pain worse—or easier.
Your thoughts and emotions can turn up the pain—or help ease it. Your brain is powerful!
Choosing to birth without an epidural can offer beautiful benefits:
✨ You might feel more connected to your body
✨ You can move freely, which may shorten labor
✨ You’ll feel your body’s cues, like when to push gently
✨ It may lower the risk of tearing
✨ It can help baby move through your pelvis smoothly
✨ It might reduce the need for Pitocin or tools like forceps
✨ You might feel more connected to your body
✨ You can move freely, which may shorten labor
✨ You’ll feel your body’s cues, like when to push gently
✨ It may lower the risk of tearing
✨ It can help baby move through your pelvis smoothly
✨ It might reduce the need for Pitocin or tools like forceps
But here’s the key: You don't need to "tough it out" you can train for it.
And that benefits you even if you have an epidural. Because, spoiler alert, you can still feel pressure of a 7.5 pound baby exiting your vagina, and not all epidurals work perfectly.
With the right tools, support, and mindset, you can prepare your mind, body, and soul for a strong, peaceful birth.
🌿 Ready to feel confident and connected as you prepare for birth and baby?
Get on the priority waitlist for my Digital Doula Program, where I guide you through a healthy pregnancy, a positive birth experience, and sweet new-baby bonding—from the inside out.
You're probably so excited about welcoming your baby into your home, if you're like most moms you're probably flipping through a few books, you've download some apps, and listening to your friend's and family's experience. You're probably doing your part to be a star patient for your doctor or midwife.I totally get that, and this is actually a problem because you're going to get you varied, sometimes conflicting advice that might not even work for your circumstance, and here is the kicker: lots of time's it not evidence-based guidance.
Instead of that, I want to offer you that working with a doula from your first trimester through your postpartum time is actually going to give you what you really need: cohesive information, expert guidance and the emotional support that every new mom deserves. It's like having an a doula in your pocket (or purse if that's where you keep your phone)
Hiring a Digital Doula is the best way to have a positive experience during your pregnancy, birth and postpartum. I would love to be your digital doula.
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