Margery, dear Margery, for every epidural, there is COLD HARD CASH coming
into the hospital.  They CHARGE for this, and for the accompanying IV, and
medications..and, etc etc etc. Not to mention that anesthesiologists make
money when they work, ie when they give anesthesia.  When you think about
it, anesthesia for laboring women is a big cash producer, is it not?

THAT is one reason they get upset when people like you discourage moms from
taking the "standard" treatment of anesthesia during labor.  They lose out.
Standard of care my eye.

I heard a story from a CNM friend of mine, who worked in a hospital where a
large portion of the clients were Hispanic and poor. The women would be
wheeled down the hall, with the head of the baby crowning, and they would
have an anesthesiologist slip in an epidural...an extra $600  on the
bill..and frequently the  women didn't need it or want it.

This is not the norm, I am sure.There are many honest and wonderful
anesthesiologists.  But, we need to know that things like thiscan and do
happen.  Call me cynical but realistic. My apologies if I have offended... I
am not against anesthesiologists in general. All specialties have their
place.  However, at times, one could question the motive.

Sad. Kathleen

Kathleen B. Bruce, BSN, IBCLC, LLLeader, co-owner Lactnet, LLLOL, Corgi-L
LACTNET WWW site: http://www.mcs.com/~auerbach/lactation.html