Tag Archives: positions

In Celebration of the OP Baby

Updated: February 2022 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 , , , , , , , , | 219 Comments

Perineal Protectors?

Updated: September 2019 Most women will sustain some damage to their perineum during birth (AIHW 2018). Around 50% will have a tear or graze in the skin and/or vaginal wall (1st / 2nd degree). Occasionally (1% of non-instrumental vaginal births) … Continue reading

Posted in birth, midwifery practice | Tagged , , , , , | 109 Comments

Shoulder Dystocia: the real story

Updated: August 2019 There is a lot of unwarranted fear about ‘big babies’ getting stuck. The media reflects the usual story – that women are creating a problem that doctors have to fix. The incidence of shoulder dystocia does increase … Continue reading

Posted in birth, intervention, midwifery practice | Tagged , , , , , | 196 Comments