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.
Voices That Shaped the Festival’s Last Utah Chapter: An Emotional Farewell to Sundance in Utah
For forty-five winters, the Sundance Film Festival transformed Utah’s mountains into a global crossroads of creativity.
Filmmakers, dreamers, locals, and visitors walked the snowy streets of Park City with the same shared hope;
that stories bold, strange, intimate, and revolutionary could change the world.
In 2026, that tradition reaches its final chapter before the festival relocates to Colorado.
Each January, leaders from around the globe gather in Davos, Switzerland, for the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF).
This high-altitude summit has become a symbol of dialogue, cooperation, and sometimes controversy, as political, business, academic
and civil society leaders confront the world’s most pressing challenges, from economic instability and climate change to technology,
security, and social inequality.
Dates: January 19–23, 2026
Theme: “A Spirit of Dialogue”
Participants: Over 2,500 leaders from around the world
What Is the World Economic Forum?
The World Economic Forum is an international organization for public–private cooperation. Founded in 1971, it brings together
leaders from governments, companies, international organizations, and civil society to discuss global issues and explore
collaborative solutions. The annual meeting in Davos is its flagship event, where hundreds of sessions, panels, and informal
gatherings shape debates that often influence policy and business decisions worldwide.
Every January, the United States pauses to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a minister, activist, and visionary whose moral courage reshaped the nation. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is more than a federal holiday. It is a moment of reflection, service, and recommitment to the ideals of equality and dignity for all people. As the world continues to evolve, the meaning of this day grows with it, inviting each generation to carry forward Dr. King’s unfinished work.
A Brief History of Dr. King’s Life and Leadership
Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia, into a family deeply rooted in faith and community leadership. Guided by the teachings of his father, Reverend Martin Luther King Sr., and inspired by the nonviolent philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi, King emerged as one of the most influential leaders of the American civil rights movement.
Food processing facilities constantly strive for higher efficiency to meet growing consumer demands and maintain profitability. Efficiency improvements not only enhance productivity but also help reduce costs, minimize waste, and ensure the safe handling of food. By implementing strategies to increase efficiency in your food processing facility, you can streamline operations and ensure long-term success.
Living in a smaller home or apartment has its charms, but as time passes, finding a place for everything is challenging. But don’t worry! You don’t need a massive renovation or a bigger house. Reclaim your square footage and stop tripping over shoes in the hallway with some creative storage solutions for small spaces that offer a fresh perspective.
