Elizabeth Davis > Quotes

“Occasionally, you may have the confusing case of a mother who appears to be in active labor, with contractions coming every five minutes, lasting up to a minute. But after a few hours, contractions taper off, and internal exam reveals her to be only 2 or 3 cm dilated. Women who are strongly athletic or highly intellectual by nature tend to this pattern, based on the inability (at least at this juncture) to let go and cross into the active phase. Uterine inertia often results, with a meal and some sleep the best solution. Labor will soon start up again—and dilation may take place quite quickly.”
― Elizabeth Davis, Heart & Hands: A Midwife's Guide to Pregnancy and Birth

“Concern with labor’s length began in hospital, where a prompt turnover of beds was of practical and financial concern. Next came practitioner impatience: doctors with overbusy schedules or better things to do than wait around for women to give birth wanted to define how long was too long.”
― Elizabeth Davis, Heart & Hands: A Midwife's Guide to Pregnancy and Birth

“The mentally oriented woman usually has a detailed birth plan, based on careful research. She goes by the book on diet and exercise but tends to repress her emotions. If asked how she is feeling, she may answer with just a word or two: “Fine” or “I’m okay.” Massage, swimming, or yoga can help the mentally oriented mother find physical and emotional release. Self-contained as she is, it may be difficult to forge a close connection with her until labor.”
― Elizabeth Davis, Heart & Hands: A Midwife's Guide to Pregnancy and Birth

“You know, Liz, I really got how women can just slip away when they bleed like that. I was already so high from the birth, and it would have been really easy just to check out completely. It was the coziest, warmest, most delicious feeling—it just felt so good.” I never forgot this, as only then did I fully appreciate how firmly and passionately the midwife must tell the hemorrhaging mother to stay present.”
― Elizabeth Davis, Heart & Hands: A Midwife's Guide to Pregnancy and Birth

“Also suggest they place this message on their answering machine/cell phone and on the front door: “We had the baby, it’s a _____, we’re fine but tired, enjoying our babymoon. Please call in a few days so we can plan to have you over.”
― Elizabeth Davis, Heart & Hands: A Midwife's Guide to Pregnancy and Birth