I just wanted to add a little to this line.  Being an independant childbirth
educator I discuss all of the drawback of epidurals and when I discuss informed
consent I point out in anyone says there are no drawbacks to any drug or
procedure they are lying, every medical procedure has potential drawbacks.  It
really shows that parents to be only get unbiased information from independant
educators.

Don't get me wrong, I have great respect for hospital based educators, they do a
great job with very large classes and do their best to give accurate
information.  The problem comes from hospitals who look at the bottom line first
(profit from patients using all of their staff and medication) then what is best
for mothers and babies.  Babies may breastfeed better and the moms may be more
emotionally satisified from a well supported, unmedicated birth, but the anes.
don't get to charge for services and less things to charge to the patient so
therefore get our educators to not talk so much about the bad side of epidurals.
The public needs to be aware that  sometimes what they can learn in a childbirth
class can depend on what a hospital administrator wants and not the teacher.

Felicia Henry, LLLL & AAHCC