Basic Mechanics of Labor

Labor is a collaborative effort between the mother and baby.

There are multiple stages of the birth process all illustrated by physical and behavioral animal markers. (You don’t need monitors or vaginal exams to tell you where you are in your labor)

-early first stage
-1st stage
-late 1st stage active/hard labor
-transition
-2nd Stage pushing/birth of baby
-3rd stage birth of placenta/golden hour

When the baby is ready to be born, at their full maturity whether at 37 weeks or 42 weeks they begin to initiate a descent which releases hormones throughout the mothers body to keep the momentum of labor going and flowing.

As she gets into active labor the baby will use its legs and feet to push against the top of the uterus as her body (the uterus) moves the baby down and out.
The baby will turn (corkscrew), all by itself. There is no need unless a woman is drugged with epidural or opiates to use forceps or vacuums.

Often babies will get “stuck” because a woman is in a poor position for pushing (usually on her back), she is exhausted from poor labor management / poor health/ being over weight, she is mentally + emotionally blocked or she is doped up with pain drugs.

One of the best ways to have an active and productive pushing stage is to practice movement during pregnancy: Flat footed indigenous Squat for all activities, tailor sitting, AVOID chair sitting, walking barefoot on sand and grass often. Learning #GOATA movement.

Birth is the only time in a woman’s life where the tail bone will move ALL BY ITSELF away from her body to make space for the baby. Get off your back, get out of semi-reclined positions that you see in movies. They cause pain, over exertion, perineal tearing and block oxygen to baby. 🙏

The baby’s head puts pressure on the rectum and causes a lot of stimulation, this is why women usually say they have to poop 💩 even if they don’t :)

The baby’s chest also receives compression as it exits - this is called “fetal Heimlich” where baby clears amniotic fluid from its own nose and throat.

This design is perfect. ✨

In my classes we cover all of the best practices for a simple, active labor. Learn about group and private classes HERE.

Warmly,

Eyla