What age group are the women? I think the meds used and probably the insertion techniques for epidurals have changed over the years. Like anything else, there are benefits AND risks. I’ve had — let me count — 5? Only from one do I remember any lingering discomfort at the insertion site, lasted perhaps six months. Never had headaches or anything from it.
Things relating to pregnancy and childbirth (epidurals, breasfeeding, etc.) too often bring out such militant responses. I’ve had doctors who never heard of an intervention they didn’t love and advocate. I’ve heard women who think if you don’t squat in the woods to give birth, you’re “not natural.” I say bah-humbug to both. Give women objective, unbiased information and let them decide without guilt either way, for heaven’s sake! Having given birth both with and without epidural, I can say delivery is a whole lot more ... pleasant (ha) WITH. On the other hand, I liked the mobility and less invasive nature of birth without it, too.
If things had started to go south, I would have been the first to ask for an epidural!