How and where you birth is massively based on your lifestyle and birth philosophy. There is no right or wrong answer to whether you should get an epidural. Here are a few things to consider:
-If you get an epidural, you will be restricted to the bed. You will be asked not to eat or drink anything besides ice and clear fluids.
-Have you prepared at all for an unmedicated birth? An unmedicated birth is a mind game. You will need to do a lot of mental preparation, be okay with pain, and have a why reason to going without an epidural. Do you really value walking around without an IV? Do you want the full natural childbirth experience and are you ready to take responsibility for all that entails?
-Epidurals are amazing and I absolutely love them BUT, they don't always work, can cause spinal headaches, and drop your blood pressure, sometimes dangerously low.
-Do you value feeling in control? Will you feel that more with no pain, or by feeling every contraction?
-Will you want to be able to sleep or relax during labor? Epidurals can help you get rest before baby comes and might help you feel more present for after the birth.
-How do you feel about the possibility of laboring for 24 hours? Will you want an epidural if birth isn't how you imagined? What will your coping strategy be for the contractions?
However you choose to birth, we have the doula for you! Reagan Sullivan has attended medicated and unmedicated births of every type, and can help you advocate for yourself and feel empowered and in control of your decision making and any way you birth.
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