How Your Doula Can Support You During an Epidural

Childbirth is a profound and intense experience, and many birthing people choose an epidural to manage pain during labor. While epidurals provide significant relief, they can sometimes make birthing individuals feel less connected to the process or less able to participate actively. Doulas and partners play a crucial role in helping the birthing person stay engaged, informed, and empowered throughout labor, even with an epidural. This post explores practical ways doulas and partners can support an active role for epidural users during labor.

A smiling mother holding her swaddled newborn on her chest on a hospital bed

Understanding the Impact of Epidurals on Labor Participation

An epidural numbs pain by blocking nerve signals from the lower body, which can reduce the ability to move freely or feel contractions fully. This change can make the birthing person feel less in control or disconnected from the sensations of labor. However, an epidural does not mean the birthing person must be passive. With the right support, they can remain active participants in decision-making, pushing, and bonding with their baby.

Doulas and partners can help bridge the gap between pain relief and active involvement by focusing on communication, physical support, and emotional connection.

Ways Doulas and Partners Can Support Active Participation

1. Continuous Emotional Support and Encouragement

Doulas provide steady emotional presence, which helps the birthing person feel seen and heard. They can:

• Offer positive affirmations to boost confidence.

• Help the birthing person express their needs and preferences clearly to medical staff.

• Encourage the person to focus on their breathing and body signals, even if sensations are muted.

• Partners provide vital emotional support by simply being there. They can:

  
  

  • Maintain eye contact and offer reassuring touch.

  • Listen carefully to the birthing person’s cues and respond promptly.

  • Stay calm and positive, which helps reduce stress.

  
  
  
  

2. Facilitating Communication with Medical Staff

Epidurals often involve medical interventions and monitoring. Doulas can:

• Help the birthing person understand what is happening and why.

• Advocate for the birthing person’s birth plan and preferences.

• Clarify medical information in simple terms to reduce anxiety.

• Partners can support the birthing person’s autonomy by:

  
  

  • Asking questions together with the birthing person during medical updates.

  • Reminding the birthing person of their birth plan and preferences.

  • Helping weigh options calmly if changes arise.

  
  

3. Suggesting Comfortable Positions and Movement

Although epidurals limit mobility, some movement is usually possible and beneficial. Doulas can:

• Assist with gentle position changes in bed to improve comfort and labor progress.

• Use tools like birthing balls or pillows to support different positions.

• Encourage small movements like ankle rotations or hip tilts to promote circulation.

• Partners can help with comfort measures such as:

  
  

  • Applying counter-pressure or gentle massage to areas like the lower back.

  • Helping with position changes under doula guidance.

  • Offering cool cloths or hydration.

  
  

4. Guiding Breathing and Relaxation Techniques

Even with reduced sensation, breathing remains a powerful tool. Doulas can:

• Lead breathing exercises tailored to the stage of labor.

• Use visualization or guided imagery to maintain focus and calm.

• Help the birthing person relax muscles that may tense up unknowingly.

• Partners can help maintain a peaceful atmosphere by:

  
  

  • Playing calming music or dimming lights as preferred.

  • Minimizing distractions and unnecessary visitors.

  • Keeping the birthing space familiar and comforting.

    
    

5. Supporting Effective Pushing

When it’s time to push, epidurals can affect the ability to feel contractions fully. Supporters can:

• Help the birthing person recognize the urge to push by watching for cues.

• Use coaching techniques to time pushes with contractions.

• Encourage rest between pushes to conserve energy.

• Physically assist by holding the birthing person's leg or supporting their neck during pushing

• Offering water or cold cloths and enthusiastic encouragement

  
  
  
  

Emotional Connection and Bonding

Active participation is not only physical but emotional. Doulas and partners can:

• Encourage eye contact and talking to the baby during labor.

• Support skin-to-skin contact as soon as possible after birth.

• Celebrate small milestones to keep morale high.

• Keeping Birthing person informed as to what is happening to baby at all times

  
  

Preparing for Labor with an Epidural

Preparation helps everyone stay engaged during labor. Doulas and partners can:

• Attend childbirth education classes focused on epidural labor.

• Discuss the birth plan thoroughly, including preferences for epidural use.

• Practice comfort techniques and communication strategies ahead of time.

  
  

Final Thoughts on Supporting Active Epidural Births

An epidural can provide much-needed relief without taking away the birthing person’s role in their own birth story. With thoughtful support from doulas and partners, the birthing person can remain connected, informed, and empowered throughout labor. This support builds confidence and helps create a positive birth experience, regardless of pain management choices.