Epidurals and Baby’s Experience of Birth: What You Should Know
Epidurals are one of the most common pain relief options in labor, and for many parents, they provide much-needed relief and a sense of control over the birth experience. But there’s a conversation that sometimes gets left out—how epidurals affect not just the birthing parent, but the baby.
This can be hard to hear, and I want to approach it with warmth, understanding, and a deep respect for the choices each family makes. (Can you feel me giving you a hug?)
If you had an epidural, this isn’t about guilt or blame. It’s about understanding the whole picture so that parents can make informed decisions that feel right for them. (And maybe, if you had difficulty with feeding or fussiness after birth, this will help to give you some answers!)
What We Know About Epidurals and Baby’s Sensory Experience
When we think about labor pain, we often focus on what the birthing parent is feeling. But babies feel labor, too. They are ACTIVE participants in getting themselves born. The uterus contracts, helping to push baby down and stimulating their nervous system and reflexes as they prepare for life outside the womb. Hormones—like oxytocin and endorphins—play a big role in regulating that experience for both parent and baby.
Epidurals work by blocking pain signals from reaching the brain, creating numbness from the waist down. While this provides relief for the birthing parent, studies suggest that epidurals also make it more challenging for babies to regulate their nervous systems during birth leading to the babies feeling more pain.
How Does This Happen!?
Pain and stress are closely linked, and babies rely on hormonal signals to help them manage the intensity of labor. When an epidural is used, it can interfere with the normal hormonal cascade of birth, particularly beta-endorphins (which help the birthing body+baby cope with stress) and catecholamines (which help babies stay alert and responsive in the final stages of labor).
The birthing person doesn’t get those stress reducing hormones (yay) but that means, the BABY doesn’t get those hormones either. Some studies suggest that no beta-endorphines or catecholamines makes it harder for the baby to regulate their own stress and pain response during birth.
This could mean:
Increased sensitivity to interventions at birth – Babies may be more reactive to suctioning, handling, or even the transition to breathing on their own.
More difficulty with early breastfeeding – The hormonal shifts that help babies initiate breastfeeding may be altered (they might be too sleepy!), sometimes making latching and early feeding more challenging.
Changes in newborn alertness – Some babies may seem sleepier or less responsive in the first few hours, while others may be more agitated.
Does This Mean Epidurals Are Bad? Absolutely Not.
Epidurals are a valid and important tool for many births. They can be life-changing for those experiencing long or difficult labors, those who need to rest before pushing, or those managing high levels of fear or trauma around birth… Sometimes, they can be that last piece of the puzzle in a long birth that really allows the pelvic floor to stop holding and let the baby pass through.
This is not about saying "never get an epidural." It’s about understanding the trade-offs so that parents can prepare and make choices that align with their needs and values.
What Can You Do?
If you’re planning an epidural or had one in a past birth, there are ways to help support your baby’s transition earthside:
Lots of immediate skin-to-skin contact – This helps regulate baby’s stress hormones and provides comfort and security.
Gentle handling and minimizing interventions when possible – Supporting baby with slow, calm movements can help ease their sensory experience.
Patience with early feeding – If latching is tricky at first, know that it’s common and often resolves with support and time.
Oxytocin-boosting practices – Eye contact, scent, and snuggling all help restore the natural hormonal flow after birth.
The Bottom Line
Epidurals are neither all good nor all bad—they are a tool, and like any tool, they come with benefits and trade-offs. When we talk about birth options, we deserve the full story, shared with compassion and respect.
No matter how your baby is born, you are doing an incredible job. The love, care, and connection you offer your baby will always matter more than any single decision in labor.
With love, Emily
