Ep. 404 Epidurals: Pros, Cons & Alternatives with Marissa Mulder

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Understanding Epidurals: Everything You Need to Know with Marissa Mulder of Sassy Anesthesia

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe dives into the real talk on epidurals with Marissa Mulder, a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) and the brain behind the popular Instagram account Sassy Anesthesia. They break down why every labor is unique (so stop comparing yourself to everyone else!) and go step by step through the epidural process — the risks, benefits, pros, cons, and the myths you’ve probably heard. Plus, they cover the difference between epidurals and spinals, how to advocate for a birth experience that truly works for you, and how tools like the Birth Lounge App can give you bite-sized, evidence-based education to feel confident from pregnancy through postpartum. Whether you plan to use an epidural or not, this episode is packed with the knowledge and empowerment every parent deserves.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Advice on Epidurals

01:00 Welcome to The Birth Lounge Podcast

01:53 Introducing The Birth Lounge App

02:10 Features and Benefits of The Birth Lounge App

05:21 Today's Topic: All About Epidurals

05:54 Guest Introduction: Marissa Mulder, CRNA

06:54 Epidural FAQs and Common Concerns

10:41 Epidural Placement and Procedure

30:03 Medications Used in Epidurals

36:49 Postpartum Comfort: Cozy Earth's Bamboo Jogger Sets

40:20 Eating and Drinking During Labor: What's the Risk?

42:54 The Importance of Honesty with Hospital Staff

43:55 Why Partners Might Be Asked to Leave During Epidural Placement

48:36 Adjusting Your Epidural: What You Need to Know

51:53 Epidurals and Labor Progression: Myths and Facts

58:40 Epidural Risks and Benefits Explained

01:01:56 Spinal vs. Epidural: What's the Difference?

01:09:53 Emotional Aspects of Choosing an Epidural

01:13:59 Final Thoughts and Where to Find More Information

Guest Bio:

Marissa is a CRNA and first time mama to a busy 5 month old and can be found on insta & tiktok at @sassyanesthesia .

SOCIAL MEDIA:

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BIRTH EDUCATION:

Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way

Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere.

And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor.

Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience.

Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress.