I think that we can, and should do all we can to enable a woman to have as normal a birth as possible. But there are times when this just isn't going to happen for one reason or another.
A direct OP baby causes a lot of pain for the mum, she gets very little or no rest, becomes anxious, doesn't cope well as she is in so much pain, so sooner or later decisions have to be made in my opinion.
I think in the case you describe, an epidural, although not the choice the woman initially wanted was at that point the best option for her. She was able to relax, have some sleep, and feel in control again and this is so important for her to feel good about her labour and birth afterwards.
Just my opinion.
