Epidurals ARE more expensive, and take more skill to administer. However, they have big advantages: in childbirth, an epidural does not anesthetize the newborn, who is born lively, and usually starts breathing on his own. The mother also recovers more rapidly.
I (a male) had an epidural for major surgery, because my doctor recommended it. Even then, I had to make arrangements for it beforehand: I had to call the chief or surgery at the hospital, and ask for an epidural. I explained why I wanted it, and he emphatically agreed, but in that hospital the anesthesiologist is assigned only at the last minute, and not all of them do epidurals. Usually only the Board-certified can do it. The chief promised me that he would appoint one of the qualified anesthesiologists, or else he would step in and take my case himself. And so it was that I had an epidural, and awoke from surgery with no nausea, feeling weak, but very hungry (which is to be expected, because they generally make the patient fast beforehand). I got out of the hospital in the shortest possible time.
I am not sure that I would want an epidural in England, because their healthcare system is rickety. Improperly administered, an epidural can be dangerous.
Actually, if I were in England and needed medical care, I would get back to the States as quickly as possible!
The NHS has its problems, but it is not rickety or third rate or third world or a hellhole. The NHS by and large is a damn good system that works most of the time. If you were in England, you would be I am sure pleasantly surprised at the standard of care. I wish Americans would at least actually experience it and not go on second or third hand opinions.