It seems fatmama that you have an agenda - to sell the book - not to be part of the community. It is always suspicious when someone signs up just to post a recommendation. It's not like you are contributing to any other discussions.

On the subject of epidurals, personally I don't really care what the "experts" or "statistics" say. I know I would never have one again. I ended up with slowed labour, low bp, a baby in foetal distress, forceps, a tear and an episotomy. All that when my labour would have been quick and easy other wise, as I know now after having a fantastic epidural free birth the next time. And boy, I can tell you how much better it feels after giving birth without an epidural. If you've ever experienced both I can't imagine you'd ever choose an epidural again.