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.
As the glow of Christmas lights begins to fade and the New Year settles in, one last
celebration quietly continues in many homes and churches around the world:
Epiphany. Observed on January 6, Epiphany is also known as
Three Kings’ Day, Theophany, or Little Christmas. It marks the
moment when Jesus was revealed to the world traditionally through the visit of the Wise Men
bearing gifts.
Even though Christmas Day has passed, Epiphany keeps the spirit of the season alive a little
longer. It blends history, faith, folklore, and family tradition, and it’s a celebration that
continues to evolve in modern times.
CES 2026: The Trends, Technologies, and Creative Inspiration Shaping the Year Ahead
Every January, the world’s most influential technology showcase takes over Las Vegas:
CES the Consumer Electronics Show. It’s where the future is unveiled,
where global brands debut their boldest ideas, and where the next 12 months of consumer
excitement are essentially scripted. For creators, designers, and small brands, CES is
more than a tech expo it’s a preview of the cultural and aesthetic shifts that will
shape what people want in their homes, on their walls, and in their daily lives.
For creative businesses built around calendars, wall art, and festive design, CES is a
goldmine of inspiration, a place where technology and visual trends meet. The event starts
on January 6th.
A global journey through fireworks, festivals, rituals, and traditions that welcome the arrival of 2026.
As 2025 draws to a close, cities and cultures across the world are preparing to welcome 2026 with fireworks,
festivals, ancient rituals, and modern spectacles. From the first midnight in the Pacific islands to the final
countdown in the Americas, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day offer a fascinating snapshot of our shared hope
for renewal. Whether you dream of standing beneath a sky full of fireworks, joining a centuries‑old ritual, or
adopting a new good‑luck tradition at home, the arrival of 2026 is filled with possibilities.
This article takes you on a tour of New Year’s celebrations across continents, highlighting unique cultural
traditions, and shares inspiration you can bring into your own celebration at home. You’ll also find links
to travel guides, destination features, and cultural explainers that your visitors can click to explore in more depth.
Setting up your salon’s service menu isn’t just about covering overheads or matching the competitor down the street. It’s a subtle psychological dance. The prices you choose tell a story about your brand before a client even walks through the door. Understanding the mental triggers behind spending can turn hesitant browsers into loyal regulars. To help you achieve this in your salon, we’re here to cover the psychology behind effective service pricing.
We often think of nature as a peaceful backdrop to our daily lives—lush parks, tree-lined streets, and vibrant forests. However, if left unchecked, plant growth can compromise public safety.
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