Theme: Second Stage Labor
Most people think of the second stage of labor as the “pushing” stage, which gets the baby out. Our lead article in Issue 131, by long-time international midwife and author Vicki Penwell discusses a phenomenon she discovered that she calls “The Disappearing Second Stage,” in which the line between first and second stage vanishes. Read about this, as well as an indepth article on breech birth by Rixa Freeze; one that deals with birthing on the back position by Mary Ann Lieser; articles by Michel Odent, Sister MorningStar, Ireena Keeslar, and much more.
Learn what a Midwifery Today Online Membership can do for you. = Membership Article.
Photo by Heike Mintel
Poetry by Harriette Hartigan
Illustration by Gerd Altmann
Editor Jan Tritten shares thoughts about the uphill battle to respect birth, women, and babies and what keeps her moving forward in this quest. Read more…. For the One, For the Many
Tricks of the Trade and Quote of the Quarter: Issue 131
Wisdom of the Midwives: Issue 131
If you use a fetoscope (obstetric stethoscope) during labor, how do you use it in your practice? If not, why not? If you do use a fetoscope, which one do you like best? Read more…. Wisdom of the Midwives: Fetoscope Use
Photo by Brandee Noelee Photography
The definitive paper on the safety and outcomes for breech birth at home and in birth centers, with helpful suggestions for midwives.
Photo by Drew Hays
With birth stories to illustrate her points, Sister MorningStar discusses variations in pushing times and why we need to stop trying to manage birth.
Illustration by David Zydd
A short course in hypno-suggestive birth methods as well as predictions for the future.
Read more…. The Future of Hypno-suggestive Methods in Childbirth
Photo by Rachel Joy Barehl
The author shares her experience after thousands of birth that labor is a continuum rather than being divided into stages. If left undisturbed, women will not even experience a “second stage.”
Milena ViVenzio—memoriesbythesmile.com
Carrington’s birth was epic. At 8:12 am, at 39 weeks, things started slowly. We called our doula at 3:30 pm as contractions grew. Around 6 pm, they were four minutes apart, so we headed to our homebirthing place. Once there, my support crew grew: my husband, parents, doula, photographer, and midwives. After an intense night of hard labor I saw the sun. It had already felt like an eternity.
Jessica Worland—jessicaworland.com
Media Reviews: Issue 131
Go Ahead, Stop and Pee by Kate Mihevc Edwards and Blair Green| A is for Advice (The Reassuring Kind): Wisdom for Pregnancy by Ilana Stanger-Ross | Mother: An Unconventional History by Sarah Knott Read more…. Media Reviews: Issue 131
Photo by Roland Hechanova
A story of serving through various births for the same, with a variety of outcomes.
Jessica Wilson—instagram.com/thelifeofjessicawilson
Not every baby is born perfect. The author, a self-trained homebirth midwife from Mexico, shares some ideas to help guide people when they encounter a baby with surprises. Read more…. When a Baby Is Born with Surprises
