I find it very interesting that epidural use is SO prevalent if in fact it is a relatively unstudied intervention, with relation to infant health and breastfeeding outcome. Medical personnel really want to "help" a mother in labor, and unfortunately, I found that medication as "help" in labor really, for ME, undermined my first two birthing experiences. The most valuable help I ever received in labor was from one on one support from good friends who believed in the birth process...not someone who would come in at the last 10 min , check the IV and the epidural drip, catch the baby, and then walk away. One person's help is another person's worst nightmare. Kathleen ********************************************************************* Kathleen B. Bruce RN, BSN, IBCLC (email = [log in to unmask]) "All truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident." Schoepenhouer **********************************************************************