In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the often-overlooked impact of epidurals on our precious babies.

While many women are aware of how epidurals affect mom, the effects on baby are often swept under the rug.

So whether you’re considering an epidural OR have already made the decision to avoid it & need some extra motivation to stay the course, this episode will give you 4 compelling reasons to pause and reflect on your choices surrounding this extremely common intervention.

This episode is all about providing you with the education and empowerment to make a fully informed decision (no shame and guilt allowed <3 ) —so that you can trust God’s design for your birth and your baby’s health.

What You’ll Learn:

• 4 ways epidurals can affect baby during birth
• How an epidural can interfere with the vital early bonding time and breastfeeding
• The potential long-term health implications of epidural use on your baby’s immune system
• Why trusting God’s natural design for labor can benefit both you and your baby

Mentions:

• Link to submit your birth story
• Free Scripture-Based Birth Cards: Download these cards to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus during your pregnancy and labor.

The best way to let me know is by leaving a written review on Apple Podcasts (I read EVERY one & they truly bless my heart!) & by sharing this episode with a fellow mama who needs this encouragement today.

Apple Podcasts

Join Our Community: I don’t have a community group (yet!) but I’d love for you to stay connected and be part of this movement. If you’re looking for more resources, future community updates, or birth encouragement, make sure you’re subscribed to the podcast and following along on Instagram

Email me at: audrey@faithfullabor.com

Blessings, Audrey

Sources:

• Study: "The Effect of Epidural Analgesia on Onset of Lactation" (Journal of Pediatrics, 2006)

  • Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16549214/

• Study: "Epidural Anesthesia and Its Effects on Neonates" (Breastfeeding Medicine, 2012)

  • Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3481815/

• Study: "Association of Epidural Analgesia With Cesarean Delivery in Nulliparous Women" (American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2014)

  • Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25212169/

• Study: "Fetal Heart Rate Changes After Epidural Analgesia" (Journal of Clinical Anesthesia, 2009)

  • Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19329041/

• Study: "Mode of Delivery and Its Impact on the Infant Gut Microbiota" (Nature Communications, 2019)

  • Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-019-13014-7

• Study: "Impact of Intrapartum Antibiotics on Neonatal Gut Microbiota" (Journal of Pediatrics, 2018)

  • Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30154141/

• Study: "Maternal-Fetal Neuroendocrine Signaling in Labor" (Physiology & Behavior, 2015)

  • Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25842330/

• Study: "The Role of Beta-Endorphins in Natural Labor" (Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2020)

  • https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2020.599531/full