The Resting Phase During Labor

Have you heard about, experienced, or witnessed the Resting Phase during labor? ✨

10cm dilated does NOT immediately = time to push

Many times, this is the point in a psychological labor where things shift from being mother-led, to provider-led and coached. It does not have to be this way. Your body does not need coaching to know how and when to push. Sometimes this means a pause, rest or break before the final stretch. When your body and baby are both ready, you will experience an irresistible urge to push. Nobody knows when it is time aside from you.

"For many years there was no acknowledgment of this stage of labor in our culture. Once a Mother achieves complete dilation she is usually encouraged to begin to push out her baby. But in the holistic paradigm, this stage, which usually lasts about 20 to 30 minutes (but can be as short as 5 minutes or can last hours), is Mother’s time to regroup and collect her energies for delivery. Labor seems to stop; contractions literally stop or slow down and the Mother may fall asleep or fall into a quiet, meditative trance. Everyone waits in the hush until contractions resume."

"This is the period of great stillness and peace that occurs after transition. All becomes calm and quiet and the Mother knows that IT has happened. She knows she has found what she is looking for…her still place in the tempest and access to the soul of her baby. Both mother and baby are tranquil and serene, drifting toward the shores of home. She may choose to rest in the arms of her Partner or create a still place to recoup her energy. She is not finished with her travels – she must manage the breakers ahead – but right now she is in peace. This is one of the most important parts of labor."

From "The Holistic Stages of Birth", by midwife Whapio the Matrona.

I recommend anyone who is pregnant, or a birth worker to read the whole text available online.

What is a Doula?

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Like travel guides taking you through a safari hike in the jungle, doulas support families throughout their own unique journey into the unknown territory of parenthood. Doulas are trained professionals who provide physical, emotional and informational support throughout the fertility, pregnancy, birth and postpartum experience. They assist you by providing resources that can help improve your pregnancy and birth experience.

A doula’s duty is to provide a continuous source of comfort, encouragement and support during labor and immediately postpartum. Since the beginning of time, women have surrounded each other during their journey into motherhood. They provided each other with warmth, love and nourishment. Everyone stepped up to support the new family and allow the mother to rest and bond with her baby. A doula is a sister, a friend, a guide, a watch-woman, a hand to hold and an ear to listen. She shows up for you time and time again. She supports you unconditionally and her love never wavers.

Doula’s help to advance maternal health and women's empowerment through three means:

1. Improving health outcomes

2. Promoting women's control over their health

3. Reducing cost-related health disparities

Numerous studies have documented the benefits of having a doula present during labor and delivery. A recent Cochrane Review, Continuous Support for Women During Childbirth, showed a very high number of positive birth outcomes when a doula was present.

Evidence shows that if you choose to hire a Doula, you have:

+ 39% decrease in the risk of Cesarean.

+ 15% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth (without forceps or vacuum extraction).

+ 10% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief.

+ Shorter labors by 41 minutes on average.

+ 38% decrease in the baby’s risk of a low five minute Apgar score.

+ 31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience.

In my work as a doula and childbirth educator, I approach birth holistically, allowing families to lead with their intuition. I believe that in most cases, birth is a natural physiological event and not a medical emergency. My goal is to help bridge the gap in education, care and support that families receive during their journey from fertility - fourth trimester. There is no reason every woman should not have an empowering and memorable motherhood experience! It is our God-given right and He created us mindfully with motherhood in mind. Choosing your birth place, provider and support team mindfully is crucial.