Chapter 2: Informed Decision Making
IN THIS LESSON
Early Labor Challenges
Progress in labor is much like a journey through the seasons. For instance, we all recognize on our calendars when the first day of spring or the last day of summer will occur. But often times our calendars don’t mirror the actual experience outside. It would be inaccurate to assume that on the first day of spring we could walk outside to find flowers in bloom and baby birds hatching in their nests. In reality, it may take several days or weeks for nature to catch up to our calendar expectations. The last day of summer does not meet us with brightly colored leaves and milder weather. Although summer may be officially over, we usually have to wait several weeks before we can jump in a pile of leaves.
Like with labor, these markers are simply guidelines. They give as an idea of what to expect next but not necessarily when it will happen or how fast. The stages of labor are made up of artificial divisions that help humans understand the process. But like the seasons, there will be no sudden change or obvious sign just because you have moved into a new stage. Sometimes this can make things challenging.
Open your Roots Workbook to the Early Labor Challenges section so we can go over some of these common challenges in. more detail.
