Providers are prescribing epidurals for 3 out of every 4 births.

Epidurals have been shown to:
- Slow down or even stop labor
- Increase the need for oxytocin to stimulate contractions
- Lead to a cesarean birth, especially for first-time moms
- Cause maternal fever, which can result in a septic workup or
antibiotic treatments for the baby and a long nursery stay
- Cause significantly decreased heart rate in the baby and affect
the baby’s oxygenation prior to birth—which can interfere with breastfeeding

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