Becky, I teach my couples that there are effects to the epidural that their
physician probably won't tell them about.  There is a great book call The
Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer (I have no financial
interest).  It touches on avoiding a c/s and being informed, etc.  I know I
read somewhere, and I would have to look long and hard to find the source I
am afraid, that having an epidural too early in labor increases the risk of
c/s because so many times labor is stalled when a woman is stuck in bed
(this doesn't count the same for the walking epidural, which I rarely see).
Also, I would just like to say.... of course the docs would oppose this.
The anesthesiologists won't make money if they don't administer drugs, it's
their job :O)

Melisa
~*~*~*~*~
Did you hear? Breast is Best!
Certified Lactation Counselor
Student Midwife
Alternative Medicine Counselor in Training
Childbirth Educator
www.nurturingmama.com

Mom to Harry who changed my life,
Jacob who changed my spirit, and
Elleanor who changed my soul.

             ***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html