I was surprised to see the statement that demerol isn't used in the U.S. anymore, as it was in both my first and third births (15 and 4.5 years ago, in Indiana and Texas). I had either stadol or demerol in the IV line with both of those births. Just enough to take the very peak off the pain of the contractions, so that I could hold it together mentally (well, almost). The thought of anyone getting anywhere near my spinal cord with a needle would be enough to make me run screaming from the hospital! The third child had three ultrasounds as well. Neither child had any trouble nursing, and both are brilliant (she says modestly). The middle child was the one with no medications and no ultrasounds, but Down Syndrome. He is also brilliant, in his own special way! Kathy D.