As soon as I read your post, I remembered the comment and I agree with
you. I have to admit that the mention of epidurals gets my blood going.
I just found out that the hospital I work with (Army) has a policy that
the expectant mothers are told they must schedule an appointment with
the anesthesiologist or they can not get medication during labor, unless
an emergency CS is needed. My blood pressure went sky high, as I wanted
to scream, you don't need medications in labor or delivery, but I had to
restrain myself and just ask a few questions. I can not understand the
attitude of requesting all expectant parents in advance to plan to use
medication - to me - it would be like asking them to plan to have a
bottle and formula in the delivery room ready to use, talk about a
subtle (but effective) way to undermine the situation.
   And yes, I agree that many women will be influenced by Oprah's
comments, which is tragic since she has never been in the postion to
even know if epidurals are the way to go. At least breastfeeding got a
positive view on the show.

Leslie Ward
Vine Grove, KY