Epidural Anesthesia

Why not use epidural anesthesia?

"Just get the epidural!"

"Don't be a hero!"

"It's not a competition!"

"There's no medal at the end!"

"Why endure that pain if you don't have to?"


So what's wrong with the conventional wisdom about epidurals?

Let me begin with a story about the sacred Peruvian peak Macchu Picchu that illustrates my belief about the potential of a woman's childbirth experience:

"You can't get to Macchu Picchu without hiking it. Sure, you can take a bus to the top, but when you arrive, you're not in Macchu Picchu, because Macchu Picchu is more of a metaphor for that sacred destination waiting to be discovered as you journey through the pathways of your life. And if you complete the journey with the right intention - as I did over a period of several days - the journey becomes a teacher that leads you to gems of undiscovered, inner wisdom. Macchu Picchu, you see, was a city discovered in the deep jungles of Peru. It symbolizes the hidden knowledge in yourself that's also waiting to be uncovered and explored" Mike Adams, NaturalNews

So epidurals are not evil, but I equate them to a missed opportunity: taking the bus instead of climbing the mountain. And that expansive view you get from taking the scenic journey ripples through your life as a mother in subtle but incredible ways you never expected, but perhaps won't even know you've missed if you choose the other route.

The epidural is a tool, no more and no less. It is, in fact, fairly effective in doing what it sets out to do, which is to numb the body with the goal of pain relief. But the questions you may want to ask yourself are:

  • Is numbness and voluntarily disabling my body really what I want?
  • Am I willing to accept unwanted risks and side effects?
  • Am I aligned with my other goals and principles, or is fear in the driver's seat?

I also really think many women don't get the full story about all they are saying "yes" to when they consent to epidural anesthesia. Other women end up with an epidural even though they didn't want one because they consented to the other very common intervention of inducing labor.

Advantages of Natural Labor

There is a wisdom and beauty in the dance of natural labor. For both mother and baby, it is an expression of physiologic, mental and emotional needs, as well as personality. It is a process that cannot be mimicked in any way that does justice to the perfect timing and unfolding of Nature.

The Epidural Procedure

The epidural procedure involves injecting a needle into the dura mater of the spine and inserting a small catheter. Through this catheter, a cocktail of medication is administered to numb the lower body.

Side Effects of Epidural

Some of the side effects of epidural anesthesia are obvious and immediate, others are delayed or more subtle, but any way you slice it, the list is long. Be sure to be fully informed of the risks and side effects you are exposing yourself to.

Epidural Complications

Though serious epidural complications are fairly rare, they do occur. Many speculate The Christmas Miracle story was a case of this.

Walking Epidural

This term is a misnomer if I've ever heard one! No one is letting you walk anywhere with a walking epidural. Though side effects are reported to be milder with this type of epidural, restricted mobility and other side effects are quite similar to the more traditional epidural anesthesia.


Return from Epidural Anesthesia to Inspired Childbirth Home


footer for epidural anesthesia page