As a doula, Gail noticed that some births were short and some were long and that most parents couldn’t see what was coming for them, as far as ease of birth. Doctors seemed to think women had small pelvises and babies were too often too big; and midwives seemed to think long labors were usually due to psychological mindsets. Gail sought a third explanation.
As a midwife, Gail noticed that fetal positioning was often a leading reason for long labor. So why would some babies be posterior and not be able to turn to anterior? For that matter, why were some posterior labors straightforward while others were complicated?
Gail’s learned first hand from mentors such as the late midwife Jan Hofer. And Carol Phillips, DC, taught her that birth is “easier” when we have balance in the pelvis (including ligaments, fascia, and muscles with the pelvis) than when we have tension, torsion, or a closed pelvic position. Balance first.
