I know of two problems that lead to the over-use of epidurals: a) doing
interpretation for a labouring woman who didn't speak English, it was
obvious that no one had any intention of admitting there could be any
side-effects at all; it was difficult for me to convince people to give
me written information I could translate for her, so I have to doubt
that consent is entirely informed, and b) couples who are taking
hospital-based prenatal classes don't have a lot of access to the
stories of women who have had happy, unmedicated births. The first time
I attended a class as a refresher, I was self-conscious about stating my
opinions, which contradicted the "everyone told me to take the epidural"
stories women had heard. The second time I considered it my
responsibility to give the other side of the story.
Just like I make a point of talking about and demonstrating
breastfeeding in public, I think it is important to share the wonderful
stories of our healthy, unmedicated births.
BTW, did I tell you about my beautiful, hour-long labour?
Jo-Anne

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