Episode Details

You've probably already made a decision about your epidural. The problem? You made it before anyone walked you through what actually happens.

In this episode, I'm breaking down the entire epidural process from the moment you say "I think I want it" to the moment we pull the catheter out after delivery - the timing, the placement, what it actually feels like, the side effects nobody mentions, and the questions I get asked most as a 16+ year L&D nurse. Whether you're planning to get one, planning to go unmedicated, or you're a "let's see how I feel" mama, this episode is for you. Because pain management is part of every birth map, and knowing what's coming means you make the decision from education - not fear.

No horror stories. No agenda. Just what really happens in the labor room.

In this episode:

• When you can actually ask for an epidural (and why timing isn't as simple as "too early" or "too late")
• What has to happen behind the scenes before the anesthesiologist walks in
• The step-by-step placement process - and the one moment that actually hurts
• Common epidural side effects and how your nurse manages them
• What "recovery" looks like and why it's not the time for visitors
• How to know you're progressing once your epidural is in

More from this episode:

Grab our free Third Trimester Birth Prep Bundle at labornursemama.com/third or comment "THIRD" on any Instagram post @labor.nurse.mama.

Listen to episode 245: Epidural or Unmedicated? How to Decide Without Regret

Helpful Timestamps:

• 00:00 Epidural Decision Reality
• 03:27 Why Preparation Matters
• 05:43 When To Request It
• 07:11 Hospital Prep Steps
• 08:58 Positioning And Placement
• 11:12 Recovery And Monitoring
• 12:44 Blood Pressure + Side Effects
• 14:58 What It Feels Like
• 16:53 Rest And Pushing Tips
• 18:08 Turning It Off And Removal

Join The Calm Labor Birth Bundle - everything you need from bump to baby! Use code POD50 for $50 off!

Over 15k mamas have used our classes to prepare for a birth that they love 🤍

⭐ Download immediately ⭐App available ⭐Life-time access⭐

Connect w/ Trish:

On Instagram

On YouTube

For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services