I'm not sure about other hospitals, but in mine I have lots of women who come
to childbirth classes asking about epidurals.  They fully intend to have them
as early as possible in labor.  Some of the things that were so important to
me do not matter to them at all.  Our nurses do not encourage their use as
much as patients beg for them before they are even "permitted" to have them.
There is a tremendous need to teach women before pregnancy to encourage them
to believe they can manage childbirth and breastfeeding.  Most of my mothers
believe breastfeeding is best but formula is not the dangerous substance we
believe it to be.  These women need our compassionate help and teaching too.

Judi Hall

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