Epidurals are a common part of the birthing process for most women. This procedure delivers an anesthetic that does not impact a mother’s ability to feel contractions, deliver a baby, or even move around, only removing the intense labor pains at a mother’s request. So, why do some moms feel guilty about epidurals?
The Idea of a Perfect Birth
The prioritization of natural birth burdens many moms. Doctors, nurses, midwives, family members, and society itself tends to romanticize the idea of being strong enough—or worthy enough—to give birth without medications. Even natural birth movements have gone so far as to rule hospitals out of the equation, as a mother “should” know how to do it on her own.
This concept of a perfect birth and a perfect mother stigmatizes moms who turn to pain medications and other forms of assistance, like cesarean deliveries. Many feel ashamed to admit needing or choosing to use assistance when society tells them they could have gone without and lost something in forgoing a fully natural birth.
Influence From Other Moms
While experienced moms provide an incredible resource for moms-to-be struggling to understand body changes and expectations, they are sometimes a cause for epidural guilt. In the same way that we imagine a “perfect” birth, moms who have gone through vaginal delivery without pain relief say so with a definitive sense of pride, as if they’ve accomplished something truly admirable.
This sense of achievement among other moms puts undue pressure on women to compete with that accomplishment, emphasizing a preference for a natural birth and creating a sense of failure when, for whatever reason, a mom feels inclined to get medical assistance. By celebrating the strength of women who have a natural birth, moms can inadvertently put down others who don’t do the same.
Misinformation About Side Effects
One of the reasons some women fear getting an epidural is that the medicine puts the baby at risk. Even in the hours before birth, a mother and child are still connected. Therefore, anything that a mother does can impact their baby. However, there is no evidence that an epidural puts the baby or the delivery at risk.
The myths about how dangerous an epidural is only serve to stop mothers from asking for help and create a sense of shame when they do. A mother’s stress is ultimately more dangerous than the epidural that could ease it.
Moms feel guilty about epidurals due to the negative social stigma they carry, but that is why conversations are important to have when a mother finds out she’s pregnant. Understanding the realities of epidurals and the sources of epidural guilt can help moms make more informed decisions in their birth plans and ultimately have a more rewarding, suitable birth experience.
A festive, practical guide to overlooked categories, bundled services, and hybrid shopping strategies curated for joyful savings.
Black Friday isn’t just about midnight lines and discounted TVs anymore. The smartest shoppers look beyond the obvious, finding unexpected bargains, bundled experiences, and festive upgrades both online and in-store. This guide spotlights hidden gems and hybrid strategies that turn the season into a joyful, value-filled celebration.
Robin’s birds-eye view of the holiday hustle, watching the season unfold from above.
Industrial coatings add color to products and protect critical components from corrosion, wear, and environmental damage. Achieving a flawless finish depends on accuracy during application. Even minor errors can lead to premature failure and costly rework, which underscores the importance of precision in industrial powder coatings. Here’s how carefully applying coatings to metal products ensures longevity and reliable performance.
If premium assistance changes or disappears, you still have options. This guide explains how to shop smart, compare plans, and use cost-saving strategies that work even without federal subsidies. With federal subsidies uncertain for 2026, many households are bracing for higher premiums. Letters from insurers confirm that unsubsidized marketplace plans can feel unaffordable. Yet, there are practical ways to shop for coverage and reduce healthcare costs even without federal assistance.
Managing a tracheostomy requires attention to detail, especially when it comes to cleanliness. For individuals and their caregivers, maintaining a strict hygiene routine is fundamental to preventing infections and promoting overall health. Simple, consistent practices are the key to successfully keeping tracheostomy equipment hygienic and reducing the risk of complications.
