Donna- You asked about a reference for the side effects of epidurals on newborns. I think this is the one you were talking about: Loftus J, Hill H, Cohen S: Placental transfer and neonatal effects of epidural sufentanil and fentanyl administered with bupivacaine during labor. Anesthesiology 1995; 83:300-308 This very nicely states that these medications cross into the baby and that "fentanyl administration was associated with lower neurobehavioral test scores at 24 hours of life." I really like the statement acknowledging that these highly lipophilic (attracted to fat) drugs may well be sequestered in the neonatal brain!!!! Hope this helps