The Assessment of Progress by Midwife Thinking

http://midwifethinking.com/2011/09/14/the-assessment-of-progress/

"The idea that birth should be efficient originated in the 17th century when men used science to re-define birth [1]. The body was conceptualised as a machine and birth became a process with stages, measurements, timelines, and mechanisms. This belief continues to underpin our approach to childbirth today."

"Cervical Scars" Why aren't doctors talking about this?

Have you ever had any procedures on your cervix?  For example a  LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure) commonly used for removal of abnormal cells or a D&C (Dilation & Curettage).  Then your doctor may have neglected to inform you that you may have difficulty dilating during labor.  Many C-sections have been performed due to "Failure to Progress" when they could have been avoided!  You can read one doulas experience with cervical scarring here:
http://www.birthresourcenetwork.org/blog/98-cervical-scar-tissue--a-big-issue-that-no-one-is-talking-about

So.....what can you do if this has effected your cervix?  The suggested method is Red Raspberry Leaf Tea & Evening Primrose Oil.  EPO acts as a prostaglandin which ripens and softens the cervix.  EPO can also be helpful in fertility.  More on that topic to come. 

How to use Red Raspberry Leaf Tea:  can be used from the first day that you find out you are pregnant.  After 36 weeks you may want to increase to 3 cups per day

*Note EPO should not be taken throughout entire pregnancy.  Do not insert anything into vagina after rupture of membranes*
How to use Evening Primrose Oil:  May be used orally from about 34 weeks gestation 1 cap three times daily.  After 36 weeks along with cervical massage may be inserted vaginally 1-2 caps at bedtime.

Protect your cervix, teach your daughters, & share the knowledge with girlfriends!