Today's mail brought Birth Magazine. There is a thoughtful article by James A. Thorp, MD and Ginger Breedlove, CNM, MSN, titled "Epidural Analgesia in Labor: An Evaluation of Risks and Benefits." It is germane to the recent and on-going Lactnet discussions. After reviewing the literature (articles and bibliographies from articles on epidurals) the authors conclude that caregivers and consumers should be aware of the associated risks (of epidurals) and that women should be counseled about the risks and other options for pain relief *before* the "duress of labor." The authors do a great job of articulating the views held by "both sides." Food for thought when talking to "the other side" (whichever side you are on!) Not at "the" conference, but at work on this lovely summer day in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA ---Margery Wilson, IBCLC Massachusetts Institute of Technology