Bonnie Jones and others..

Walking epidurals use analgesic agents (fentanyl, etc) instead of anesthetic
agents (bupivicane, etc). They still affect the baby, just as these agents
affect the baby when given to the mother by another route. Anesthesiologists
know this because their literature is full of references to the effects on
the baby.

ALL LABOR DRUGS AFFECT THE BABY.  Period.  However, not all babies SHOW the
effects - that's why we think we can get away with labor drugs, and act
surprised when there's a problem. Some babies only need two insults and
they're messed up; others can tolerate dozens before being compromised. This
is the normal bell-shaped curve.

Bug me and I'll post my "epidural bibliography."

Linda Smith, tired of the argument "not all babies are affected" as an excuse
to medicate mothers in labor.
Dayton, OH