Simkin's Labor Progress Handbook

List of Contributors xvi
 
Foreword xviii
 
Chapter 1: Introduction 1
Lisa Hanson, PhD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN and Emily Malloy, PhD, CNM
 
Causes and prevention of labor dystocia: a systematic approach 1
 
Notes on this book 4
 
Note from the authors on the use of gender-inclusive language 5
 
Conclusion 5
 
References 5
 
Chapter 2: Respectful Care 7
Amber Price DNP, CNM, MSN, RN 7
 
Health system conditions and constraints 8
 
LGBTQ birth care 9
 
RMC and pregnant people in larger bodies 9
 
Shared decision-making 10
 
Expectations 11
 
The impact of culture on the birth experience 12
 
Traumatic births 12
 
Trauma survivors and prevention of PTSD 13
 
Trauma-informed care as a universal precaution 15
 
Obstetric violence 16
 
Patient rights 17
 
Consent 17
 
Maternal mortality 18
 
References 19
 
Chapter 3: Normal Labor and Labor Dystocia: General Considerations 22
Lisa Hanson, PhD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN, Venus Standard, MSN, CNM, LCCE, FACNM, andPenny Simkin, BA, PT, CCE, CD(DONA)
 
What is normal labor? 22
 
What is labor dystocia? 26
 
What is normal labor progress and what practices promote it? 26
 
Why does labor progress slow or stop? 28
 
Prostaglandins and hormonal influences on emotions and labor progress 29
 
Disruptions to the hormonal physiology of labor 30
 
Hormonal responses and gender 30
 
"Fight-or-flight" and "tend-and-befriend" responses to distress and fear during labor 31
 
Optimizing the environment for birth 32
 
The psycho-emotional state of the pregnant person: wellbeing or distress? 33
 
Pain versus suffering 33
 
Assessment of pain and coping 34
 
Emotional dystocia 34
 
Psycho-emotional measures to reduce suffering, fear, and anxiety 34
 
Before labor, what the caregiver can do

Lisa Hanson PhD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN is Klein Professor and Associate Director of the Marquette University College of Nursing, Midwifery Program, Milwaukee, WI, USA. She practiced as a midwife for 30 years in Milwaukee, WI, USA. Lisa is an active midwifery researcher who has authored numerous scientific articles.
 
Emily Malloy PhD, CNM is a nurse-midwife in full scope midwifery practice and a midwife researcher who conducts clinical research in Milwaukee, WI, USA. She is a participating faculty at Marquette University College of Nursing, Midwifery program.
 
Penny Simkin BA, PT, CCE, CD(DONA) is a physical therapist who has specialized in childbirth education and labor support since 1968. She estimates she has prepared over 15,000 pregnant people, couples, and siblings for childbirth, and assisted hundreds as a doula. She is author of several books for both parents and professionals.

"For all those committed to supporting birthing people, Simkin's Labor Progress Handbook is a scientifically grounded and eminently practical resource. At a time of renewed public attention to addressing birth equity across the globe, the authors provide indispensable wisdom to ensure women and families receive the care they deserve."
 
Dr Neel Shah, MD, MPP, Assistant Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology at Harvard Medical School and an obstetrician-gynecologist at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre.