In a message dated 12/24/98 11:00:46 AM US Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

<< Then there was a statement by a nurse anesthetist (MALE) who says in his
 experience it decreases the number of c/sections. *Some women just can't
quite
 get over that hump because of the pain and an epidural can help them do that*
>>

While I am definitely NOT in favor of women getting epidurals on a whim, I
have to say that there are women who DO benefit from this type of pain
management. Like it or not, epidurals are very beneficial to some. My
experience as  an LDRP nurse ( and I work in a hospital with low epidural and
section rates) has shown me this. Unless you actually work with these women
(in labor) it's easy to spout the disadvantages, while ignoring those times
when this form of pain management is most appropriate. In addition, regardless
of studies, it has been my experience that most babies breastfeed fine after
epidurals. Along the same lines, there are infants who present with sucking
problems even when mom has had no medication at all. You will always have
babies who fit both categories.

I realize that a  medication free labor and birth is most beneficial  for the
baby, but the bottom line is that it may not be the best for mom. Until the
baby is born, mom is the incubator. If the incubator is not functioning well
(if mom is greatly stressed by pain), then the baby can suffer.

Studies are wonderful,of course. But you sometimes have to look at the entire
picture beyond the paperwork.

Betsy Riedel, R.N.C.
Connecticut (where we have snow for Christmas)