A Doula’s Second Birth: Unexpectedly 7cm Dilated

Content Warning: This page contains graphic images of childbirth, including sensitive and medically detailed photos. Viewer discretion is advised. These images are for educational purposes only and must not be reproduced, shared, or distributed without permission.

A doula finds out at a prenatal visit with her midwife that she’s 7cm dilated! Nervous, she makes an appointment for her midwife to come over to her home that evening and rupture her membranes to attempt to get labor started. It works, and mom delivers at her home in a pool only an hour and a half later!

Transition in the Birth Pool

Mom relaxes her way through transition while laboring in her birth pool. She stays calm and focused, working with her body through each contraction.

Effective Pushing and Perineal Support

Mom pushes very effectively while the midwife reaches into the water to protect her perineum.

Mom Rests Between Pushes

Mom takes moments to relax between contractions, conserving her strength for the next round of pushing.

Back to the Work of Pushing

When the next contraction comes, the mom returns to the hard work of bringing her baby into the world.

Reaching for Her Baby

Mom reaches into the water to feel her baby’s head emerging. Dad watches from beside her, filled with excited anticipation.

A Stuck Shoulder and the Gaskin Maneuver

The baby’s head is born, but the shoulders appear to be a little stuck. The midwife guides the mom into a hands-and-knee position (The Gaskin Maneuver) to help free the baby’s shoulder.