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Photo by Lisa Tucker
A student midwife takes on state governments’ encroachment of women’s rights to birth where and how they choose.
One midwife. Three babies. Thirteen hours. Happy Father’s Day!
Not only do upright positions work with gravity, offering numerous benefits to mother and baby, but they also have an interesting history. Layer uncovers the story behind their wane in popularity during the 18th century and relatively recent resurgence.
Read more…. An Overview of Upright Positions During Second Stage Labor
Learn how therapeutic bodywork techniques can help baby achieve the optimal position prior to birth, as well as address Torticollis and Plagiocephaly after birth.
The positive presence of the midwife, and her belief in the abilities of the laboring woman, can affect birth outcomes. Carol Gautschi considers the influence of the midwife’s believes and attitudes on labor.
Photos provided by author
To prepare for an autonomous waterbirth, a woman should know the specific quality of contractions in each stage of birth. Read more…. How to Support the Autonomy of Motherbaby in Second Stage of Waterbirth
Lora Denton—loradentonphotography.com
In this thoughtful article, author Kate Prendergast discusses the use of management techniques for a prolonged second stage.
Read more…. Labor Pattern and Management during a Prolonged Second Stage
Michel Odent covers the importance of the fetal ejection reflex as it relates to the second stage of labor.
Read more…. Understanding Stages of Labour after the Paradigm Shift
A childbirth educator considers “the place of change” in labor that transcends stages and what she sees as the overemphasis on pushing. Read more…. Getting Pushy
Though many infants are given vitamin K after birth, the author questions the efficacy of this practice through a review of current literature on the subject.
The author reviews recent research and shares her own experiences with second stage as she explores “the acceptable parameters of a normal, healthy second stage.”
Read more…. An Exploration of Unusually Long Second Stage: Redefining Normal
Lora Denton—loradentonphotography.com
Author Jean Sutton takes you back to basics, reviewing the few simple conditions needed for the safest birth, and challenges the notion that deliberate pushing is necessary for a smooth second stage.
