6 is the new 4 {A Birth Circle Topic}

In March of 2014, ACOG released a consensus statement:

Safe Prevention of the Primary Cesarean Delivery

In this consensus statement, which was released in effort to lower the United State's Cesarean Rate, ACOG redefined "normal" labor progress. In a stunning realization ACOG announced that dilation from 4 cm to 6 cm could take 4-6 hours longer than Friedman's Curve suggested.

ACOG defined 6 cm as the threshold for the active phase of labor. It's important to understand this new threshold strictly applies to the clinical management of labor and not the timing of admission to hospital or the frequency and intensity of contractions.

Read more:

ACOG Consensus Statement: Safe Prevention of the Primary Cesarean

So, what does that mean for you as a consumer??

It means that 

cesarean deliveries for failed induction of labor in the latent phase can be avoided by allowing longer durations of the latent phase (up to 24 hours or longer)

Emphasis added: I digress to urge you, all of you, to rethink this concept of "allowing" women in labor.

Birth Monopoly | You're Not Allowed to Not Allow Me

It means that the average labor and second stage (pushing) may take a lot longer than doctors and hospitals have been anticipating.

It means that

Cesarean delivery for active phase arrest in the first stage of labor should be reserved for women at or beyond 6 cm of dilation with ruptured membranes who fail to progress despite 4 hours of adequate uterine activity, or at least 6 hours of oxytocin administration with inadequate uterine activity and no cervical change.

It requires that care providers have advanced practical skills and suggests that

Amnioinfusion for repetitive variable fetal heart rate decelerations may safely reduce the rate of cesarean delivery.

It means that

Before 41 0/7 weeks of gestation, induction of labor generally should be performed based on maternal and fetal medical indications. 

Read in detail, recommendations for the safe prevention of the primary cesarean delivery.

Want to learn more? Have questions? Schedule your private consultation or contact me via

Guiding Angels Birth Services

Keep up to date with YC Birth Circle to join us for other great topics and visit my website to find a childbirth preparation course near you for a more in depth understanding of what we covered!

Past Birth Circle Topics:

• 6 in the new 4
• Share The Love
• Fertility Awareness
• Meet The Photog
• What's A Birth Circle
• Frequently Un-Asked Questions
• Childbirth In Pop Culture
• Nutrition in Pregnancy
• Essential Oils
• Homeoprophylaxis   
• Birth Stories

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Busy Bee

Once again, I'm behind on my blogging and I apologize.
For my local readers - you may not mind so much because I have so many awesome things in store for you!!

organicKidz Baby Grows Up Set

Mother's Nest is working on bringing in Ergo & Moby, along with 3 more brands of cloth diapers and lactation cookies!! Ya'll are loving the organicKidz bottles, so we will definitely be keeping those in stock. What will be moving out of the boutique are the resale items. So come and take advantage of 80% off of
retail value while supplies last!!!






Even more awesome news: Two awesome massage therapists have joined the Mother's Nest team and are now offering massage services!! Book yours today. My readers can take advantage of a special introductory offer by printing and bringing in this coupon.


As for the birth services I offer - I have been busy preparing a handful of mini workshops for you working moms who would like to get your hands on evidence based information, labor preparation, birth planning and more, but just don't have the time to take a full series of childbirth classes. Don't forget, Yavapai County Birth Circle is a FREE monthly meet up but I do hope you'll enjoy the upcoming detail rich workshops! You can also take advantage of private childbirth classes, specifically tailored to you - your birth, your desires, your schedule. Check out Guiding Angels Birth Services for more information!

Be well readers. Get ready for the next post: it will include a link to the meta ethnography of RIC in America!
Would you like to weigh in on the survey used for analysis? Follow the link!