Tag Archives: positions

In Celebration of the OP Baby

Posted on June 8, 2016 by Dr Rachel Reed

Updated: October 2023 How many times have you heard “I had to have an epidural/c-section/ventouse/etc. because my baby was facing the wrong way”? An occipito posterior (OP) position occurs when the baby enters the pelvis facing forward with their back … Continue reading →

Posted in baby, birth, midwifery practice | Tagged birth, blame, cervix, intervention, labour pattern, occipito-posterior, OP, optimal fetal positioning, positions | 222 Comments

Perineal Protectors?

Posted on January 13, 2016 by Dr Rachel Reed

Updated: August 2023 Most women will sustain some damage to their perineum during birth (AIHW 2023). Around half will have a tear or graze in the skin and/or vaginal wall (1st / 2nd degree). A quarter will be cut with … Continue reading →

Posted in birth, midwifery practice | Tagged birth, episiotomy, perineum, positions, pushing, water | 111 Comments

Shoulder Dystocia: the real story

Posted on May 13, 2015 by Dr Rachel Reed

Updated: August 2023 There is a lot of unwarranted fear about ‘big babies’ getting stuck. The media reflects the usual story – that women are creating a problem. This post was initially written in response to a news article entitled … Continue reading →