Issue 131
Autumn 2019
Theme: Second Stage Labor
Most people think of the second stage of labor as the “pushing” stage, which gets the baby out. Our lead article in Issue 131, by long-time international midwife and author Vicki Penwell discusses a phenomenon she discovered that she calls “The Disappearing Second Stage,” in which the line between first and second stage vanishes. Read about this, as well as an indepth article on breech birth by Rixa Freeze; one that deals with birthing on the back position by Mary Ann Lieser; articles by Michel Odent, Sister MorningStar, Ireena Keeslar, and much more.
Cover photo by Jennifer Hamilton of Mamarazzi Photography (mamarazziphotographytx.com). Jennifer is a professional birth photographer and videographer in San Antonio, Texas. She has always had a love for documenting life’s moments in photos. Her passion for all things motherhood and especially birth began with the homebirth of her second child. She currently specializes in documenting maternity, birth, and newborns through the first year, with her husband. She loves to watch parents grow into relationships with their new babies. A mother of four (two girls and two boys), Jennifer is considering doula training. As a veteran, she especially enjoys serving the area military community.
Pictured: Valeria was a first-time mom and wanted her birth to be as natural and intervention-free as possible. With a supportive birth team and the encouragement of her husband and family, she brought her baby girl Earthside in the comfort of her own bed. After a little help from her doula (who is also a lactation consultant), she settled in and guided her little one to the breast for the first latch.
Columns
- Poetry
- From the Editor
Editor Jan Tritten shares thoughts about the uphill battle to respect birth, women, and babies and what keeps her moving forward in this quest. - Tricks of the Trade
- Quote of the Quarter
- Marion’s Message
Learn about the hows and whys of this technique to stop postpartum hemorrhage. - Wisdom of the Midwives
- Midwifery & Childbirth News
- Media Reviews
- Classified Advertising
- Photo Album
Features
- The Disappearing Second Stage—Vicki Penwell
The author shares her experience after thousands of birth that labor is a continuum rather than being divided into stages. If left undisturbed, women will not even experience a “second stage.” - The Bottom Line on Breech: Home, Hospital, and Birth Center Outcomes and Suggestions for Birth Attendants—Rixa Freeze
The definitive paper on the safety and outcomes for breech birth at home and in birth centers, with helpful suggestions for midwives. - The Future of Hypno-suggestive Methods in Childbirth—Michel Odent
A short course in hypno-suggestive birth methods as well as predictions for the future. - Pushing Uphill—Mary Ann Lieser
How did lithotomy position become the standard position for giving birth? This article discusses the work of George Engelmann and how this came about. - Time to Push! Who Says So?—Sister MorningStar
With birth stories to illustrate her points, Sister MorningStar discusses variations in pushing times and why we need to stop trying to manage birth. - A Long Second Stage Birth—Ireena Keeslar
A story of serving through various births for the same, with a variety of outcomes. - When a Baby Is Born with Surprises—Alison Bastien
Not every baby is born perfect. The author, a self-trained homebirth midwife from Mexico, shares some ideas to help guide people when they encounter a baby with surprises. - Salt: A Simple Treatment for Umbilical Granulomas—Carissa Baumgartner
This helpful article explains how a simple household ingredient can be used for a non traumatic treatment for a common problem. - The Portable Office: The Introductory Consultation Visit—Regina Willette
Learn what to cover in an initial free consultation visit for first-time homebirth clients. - Second Stage of Labor: Does Pushing Too Long Cause Infant Problems?—Ireena Keeslar
This article covers whether there are adverse effects related to the duration of pushing and how pushing should actually be defined. - Zebel and Salome, the Virgin Mary’s Midwives: Doubt, Faith, and the Miraculous in a Medieval Legend—Jane Beal
Drawing from extra-Biblical texts, Jane Beal writes about the Virgin Mary’s midwives and other details regarding the birth of Jesus. - Increase Attendance at Your In-person Event in Two Easy Steps—Emmy Kissinger
A short piece with suggestions about how to get people to attend an event marketing your services. - Freebirthing—Deb Fiore
Unassisted childbirth is a choice being made by some low-risk women. This article includes testimonials from some of them and suggests that we be less judgmental and try to understand what is motivating them. - The Psychology and Illusion of Choice in Birth—Victoria Karalun
With two different births by the same woman, the author contrasts actual choice and the illusion of choice in both the trajectory and outcomes. - Difficult Births with Good Outcomes
Four educational vignettes about complicated births with positive outcomes.
= Membership Article.
