About this episode

This episode discusses the implications and considerations of having an epidural during labour and birth.

You might be one of the 60% of women who have an epidural during their labour or birth. Whatever birth you’re planning, knowing about epidurals is an absolute must. Epidurals are the most effective form of pain relief available in labour, but they are much more than just a quick injection—they come with a complete "package" of interventions, altered physiology, and downstream effects that women are rarely fully informed about.

People in this episode

Host: Dr Melanie Jackson

Topics covered

• epidural
• pain relief
• labour
• birth interventions
• women's health

Keywords

• epidural
• pain management
• childbirth
• labour pain
• interventions

More episodes of The Great Birth Rebellion

• Episode 219 - Restless Legs in Pregnancy · September 6, 2026 · 21 min
• Episode 218 - The Cascade of Intervention · August 30, 2026 · 1h 24m
• Episode 217 - Surviving and Thriving in Midwifery · August 23, 2026 · 59 min
• Episode 216 - Childbirth for Children · August 16, 2026 · 23 min
• Episode 215 - Strategies to avoid tearing during birth · August 9, 2026 · 56 min
• Episode 214 - Spicy Question Time with Mel · August 2, 2026 · 1h 11m

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