In episode 3 of the Driven by Faith Podcast, we explore the often misunderstood and misdiagnosed issues of "Failure to Progress" and "Failure to Descend" in childbirth. These diagnoses are some of the leading causes of cesarean sections, but they are often preventable with a deeper understanding of fetal cardinal movements, patience, and support during labor. We break down how misinterpretation of labor progression and rushing the birth process can lead to unnecessary interventions, exhaustion for the birthing mother, and avoidable complications.
Through this discussion, we offer insight into how doulas and healthcare providers can better support laboring mothers by recognizing the natural phases of birth and allowing adequate time for fetal movements. Patience is key in avoiding hasty decisions and ensuring a smoother, more empowered birth experience.
Key Points:
- The definitions of "Failure to Progress" and "Failure to Descend" and how they are often overused or misapplied.
- Understanding the natural process of fetal cardinal movements and why rushing labor can hinder progress.
- How diagnosing "Failure to Progress" too early can lead to unnecessary interventions such as cesarean sections, forceps, or vacuum-assisted deliveries.
- The importance of recognizing the body’s need for time to allow the baby’s head and shoulders to rotate and descend naturally.
- Why proper positioning and patient support during labor can prevent common misdiagnoses.
- How doulas and birth workers can help reduce the likelihood of premature interventions by empowering the mother and advocating for a more patient approach to labor.
Quote from this episode: "Mislabeling 'Failure to Progress' or 'Failure to Descend' often stems from a lack of understanding of the baby’s cardinal movements, especially with respect to the head and shoulders. Premature pulling on the baby’s head before the shoulders have rotated can lead to compaction, increasing the risk of shoulder dystocia and unnecessary interventions."
Takeaways:
- Education is Key: Misdiagnosing “Failure to Progress” often results from a lack of understanding about the phases of labor. Parents, Providers and doulas must be educated on the natural timeline of birth to prevent unnecessary interventions.
- Patience Pays Off: Allowing labor to progress at its own pace often results in smoother births and fewer complications. Avoid rushing the process based on arbitrary timelines.
- Support the Birthing Person: Doulas play a vital role in supporting mothers through labor, informing them about the birth process while encouraging patience and non-invasive approaches through education and emotional support.
- Change the Narrative: Reducing the over-diagnosis of "Failure to Progress" and "Failure to Descend" requires a shift in how we view labor progression—trusting the body’s natural ability to birth & the babies role in this process, rather than adhering to rigid timelines.
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