Dilation is Just A Number

Most people know that when it comes to giving birth vaginally, a woman’s cervix must go from 0 cm to 10 cm, before she can deliver her baby. Okay, so it's not just a number, it does play a pretty important role. Personally, though, I think that expecting parents can focus a little too much on the number and often times don’t realize the many other ways that labor is progressing.

For example, during the birth of my 4th daughter, I was in very active labor (if not transition) when my midwife suggested that she check the dilation of my cervix.  I consented & after checking me, she told me I was 5 cm.  Being very vulnerable & definitely in transition, I thought there was no way!  I had to be close to done!  After walking from the bathroom to the bed and a few really tough contractions, I was complete & began involuntarily pushing.  I went from 5 cm to baby in my arms in about 15 minutes!

That being said, aside from contractions & cervical dilation, there are other factors that can show us progress in labor.

1.Position of Cervix- A cervix moving from posterior (near the back, hard to reach) to anterior (near the front of the vagina, easy to reach) is considered a sign of progress.

2.Effacement- The cervix starts out long & firm, but as labor progresses, the cervix shortens &  thins.

3.Baby’s Station- The caregiver finds the ischial spines & estimates the distance between the spines and the baby’s head.  If the head is above the spines, it’s considered a negative station.  If it’s below, it’s considered a positive station.

4.Checking for Position
Anterior fontanel- The diamond shaped fontanel located near the front of baby's head is presented.
Posterior fontanel- The triangle shaped fontanel located towards the back of the baby's head is  presented.

As you can see, there are quite a few factors to look at when determining progress in labor.  Cervical dilation is just one of them.  Try not to get stuck on the number.

Written by: Andrea Myers

 Disclaimer: As doulas, we DO NOT perform clinical tasks i.e. check the cervix.  We leave that to the medical professionals.  We are just familiar with how the cervix works.

Babies in Crochet Make My Uterus Say Hey

I have to admit, I really have no urge to watch any sports on tv. Baseball...eh.  Basketball...maybe.  Football...yuck.  Soccer or Golf...No Way.  Even in "real life" sports don't really grab me.  However, I do enjoy hockey.  Maybe it's because I'm not sweatin my butt off but comfortably snuggled up to my adorable husband.

  Anyways, the Chicago Blackhawks won yesterday.  I wish I could say I stayed up late last night like so many of my other friends to watch the win, but I didn't.  In fact, the only reason I know they won is because EVERYONE was posting about it on Facebook this morning.

Along with these posts were pictures of their adorable kiddos wearing Blackhawks apparel.  I don't know what it is about little ones in sports paraphernalia, but it is just too cute for words.  Especially the crocheted items for newborns.  I can't get enough.  Every time I see one of my clients taking their sweet newborns for photographs with adorable crocheted items, my uterus hurts. Sports crocheted items included.

I know, I know.  I get the pleasure of seeing newborns all the time.  I am so incredibly lucky.  I'll never get sick of seeing a new life welcomed into the world, holding them, and feeling their soft skin.  My heart is always ready to welcome a new little one; my brain is another story.  But my uterus just screams out, yes have one more when I see these little darlings in crocheted hockey items.

So to all my clients, friends, and family with little ones, feel free to send me your sweeties adorable pics and GO HAWKS!!

BTW, image was taken from my amazing friend Carrie who owns Little Punky Designs.