Epidurals have been shown to:

- Slow down or even stop labor

- Increase the need for oxytocin to stimulate contractions

- Lead to a cesarean birth, especially for first-time moms

- Cause maternal fever, which can result in a septic workup or

   antibiotic treatments for the baby and a long nursery stay

- Cause significantly decreased heart rate in the baby and affect the

   baby’s oxygenation prior to birth—which can interfere with breastfeeding