Hi Jean,
Thanks for your interpretation of the article. I see your point,  I didn't 
interprete it the same way. I don't think they were implying epidural vs 
c/section.  They were comparing low-dose to regular dose epidurals and the 
effects on operative vaginal procedures, (forceps/vaccum), finding less need 
for *operative vaginal procedures* in the low dose group.

<<<<<<What I thought they were implying was that they had somehow shown that 
those vaginal deliveries were more stressful on the babies than a C. Section 
delivery would have been>>>>

I still believe that it's the interventions with birth that very often CAUSE 
the complications, including c/sections. If they don't give epidurals so 
early in the labor, and that would include low dose or regular dose 
epidurals, the c/section rate would not be as high.  Epidurals slow and/or 
stop the labor, the women don't progress, they use pitocin, and after not 
being able to push effectively, they try forceps or vaccum, if that doesn't 
work they do a section.
If we, as a society, empowered women to believe in their ability to give 
birth, if doctors didn't push epidural, but offered support and 
encouragement, I believe we would have better mom/infant outcomes. Look 
around the world, where epidurals are not used as much, they have much better 
mom/infant outcomes then we have in the US.
Can you hear my frustration?
Roni M. Chastain, RN, LCCE, FACCE
Long Island, New York

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