Epidural Myths Debunked: What Chicago Suburb Moms Need to Know

I hear it all the time in prenatal visits… “If I get an epidural, won’t I just be stuck in bed?” Or, “I heard once you hit a certain dilation, they won’t let you get one anymore.”

Allow me to shed some light on the subject.

At The Elgin Doula, we support all birth preferences—from unmedicated to medicated, spontaneous to induced, hospital to home. But what matters most is that your decisions are based on facts, not fear. Education and evidence, not Instagram and Tiktok.

So let me walk through a few of the most common epidural myths I hear from our clients across the Chicago suburbs.

Myth #1: “Once I get an epidural, I won’t feel anything.”

False!

Most anesthesiologists in Illinois use the lowest effective dose needed. Enough to take the pain of contractions away, but not so much that you’re completely numb. No limp fish today!

Especially as baby moves down in your pelvis toward the end of labor you may still feel pressure that your brain and body can interpret as pain. At times there can even be small windows of your belly or pelvic area (even the dreaded ring of fire) where you are still able to feel the contractions or pain. This sensation can be beneficial for pushing, but may surprise moms who are expecting to feel nothing at all.

While you can’t walk once it’s placed, you can absolutely move and reposition in bed. As your doula, we help you use tools like peanut balls, squat bars, and fre positions to keep labor progressing and baby descending—safely and comfortably.

Myth #2: “I won’t be able to get an epidural after a certain dilation.”

Also false!

Most providers will say that as long as you can hold still for the epidural placement, and baby isn’t crowning, you can still opt for one. Sitting still during intense contractions can be challenging, but most moms I have worked with say they barely notice the epidural getting placed after the intensity of contractions!

Myth #3: “Doulas are anti-epidural.”

Absolutely not.

Whatever your birth preferences are, we are there to support you all the way!

You would not believe how many clients have told me “I’m not against an epidural, but I want to see how far I can go without”. If you think you might want an epidural but want to try laboring without one first, we’ve got comfort tools to help! TENS units, labor combs, aromatherapy, hydrotherapy (when possible), and hands-on comfort measures like counter-pressure and hip squeezes.

And if you decide to get an epidural? We’re right there with you with that too. We help with movement, positioning, and emotional support to keep you comfortable, informed, and continuing to move baby down and out.

We’re not here to push an agenda, just to help you feel confident and cared for, no matter what your birth plan looks like.

What Matters Most

The epidural isn’t a success or failure, it’s a tool.

Whether you want to avoid it entirely or keep it in your back pocket “just in case,” we are on your team to honor your goals, educate, and support your preferences.

Want to learn more about how we help you make empowered decisions before and during labor? Book a consultation, explore our Birth Doula Package, or meet our team. We’re here to be there for you every step of the way.