The Stages of Birth

It’s been 9 or 10 long months that you have watched the birthing mother carry this baby inside of her. Now comes those moments where all the times you have been honestly listening and working with her will pay off. She needs you now more than ever... every ounce of you as the birth ally must come into play. Here is a quick overview:

First stage - the beginning of contractions (in most cases it’s the longest phase) that cause progressive changes in the birthing mother’s cervix and ends when her cervix is fully dilated. This stage is divided into two phases: early labor and active labor. Early labor begins with the onset of contractions. This is where the birthing mother’s cervix gradually effaces (thins out) and dilates (opens). Once active labor starts, her cervix begins to dilate more rapidly and contractions become stronger and closer together. Near the end of active labor is the transition phase. This is the part of labor most often depicted on television as the mother completely losing it and cursing her partner, the world in general, and either screaming for drugs or says she's dying.

Second stage - the pushing portion of labor, (at this stage she will need all your patience and your confidence in the birth process and most importantly… in Her!) She is working hard to move the baby down through the open cervix, through the vagina and into the world.

Third stage - the final stage begins right after the birth of the baby and ends with the birth of the placenta.