the labor map pt 6: fast vs. slow labor and the truth about cervical checks

Explicit content warning

01/01/25 • 44 min

back from the borderline baby: pregnancy & motherhood

Welcome to part six of the Labor Map series—a deep dive into the unique patterns of labor progression and the often misunderstood role of cervical checks. Labor isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. Some mothers experience quick, intense progress (what we call the “speedster” pattern), while others settle into a slower, more measured rhythm (the “putterer” pattern). Neither is better or worse—they’re simply different paths to the same destination: meeting your baby.

In this episode, we unpack how recognizing these labor patterns can alleviate fear and uncertainty, giving you tools to navigate your birth experience with confidence. We’ll also demystify cervical checks, examining their risks, inaccuracies, and when they might actually be helpful. If you’ve ever worried about not being “dilated enough” or felt deflated by a discouraging cervical exam, this episode will provide clarity and perspective.

Key takeaways include:

• Understanding the speedster and putterer labor patterns—and how to adapt to either.

• Why emotional signposts are often a more reliable guide than dilation numbers.

• The real risks and limitations of routine cervical exams, plus how to advocate for yourself if you choose to decline one.

• Tips for partners to support the mother through varying labor patterns and help navigate decisions confidently.

This episode is a reminder that labor is as much about intuition and emotional progress as it is about physical milestones. By weaving together the emotional map of labor, the patterns of progress, and an empowered approach to cervical checks, you’ll have a comprehensive framework to guide your birth journey.

Whether you’re preparing for a hospital birth, birthing center, or home birth, this episode is an invaluable tool to approach labor with clarity, adaptability, and self-assurance.

CRAVING MORE? To dive deeper into the Back from the Borderline universe, explore my recommendations and access premium content, visit backfromtheborderline.com.

Disclaimer: I’m not a medical professional, OB, or expert—just a fellow human being sharing my personal journey and experiences. What I share here isn’t intended as medical advice. Always trust your instincts and consult with trusted professionals as you navigate your own path.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Key takeaways include:

• Understanding the speedster and putterer labor patterns—and how to adapt to either.

• Why emotional signposts are often a more reliable guide than dilation numbers.

• The real risks and limitations of routine cervical exams, plus how to advocate for yourself if you choose to decline one.

• Tips for partners to support the mother through varying labor patterns and help navigate decisions confidently.

Whether you’re preparing for a hospital birth, birthing center, or home birth, this episode is an invaluable tool to approach labor with clarity, adaptability, and self-assurance.

CRAVING MORE? To dive deeper into the Back from the Borderline universe, explore my recommendations and access premium content, visit backfromtheborderline.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Previous Episode

the labor map pt 5: recognizing the "emotional signposts" of labor

Welcome to Part 5 of the Labor Map series, a multi-episode guide designed to help you navigate the unpredictable journey of labor with confidence and clarity. In this episode, we explore the emotional map of labor—a groundbreaking way to understand and recognize the emotional signposts that guide you through the phases of childbirth.

Unlike the traditional focus on physical milestones like water breaking or the mucus plug, this episode introduces you to the emotional landscape of labor. We’ll unpack three distinct emotional signposts:

• Excitement – The thrill and anticipation as labor begins.

• Seriousness – The shift into focused determination as contractions intensify.

• Self-Doubt – The moment when you question everything, signaling you’re on the verge of meeting your baby.

This episode is for every expectant mother and support partner—whether you’re planning a hospital birth, birthing center delivery, or home birth. These emotional signposts are universal tools that allow you to tune into the inward experience of labor. By integrating this knowledge, you’ll feel empowered to navigate each phase with confidence and recognize when it’s time to make pivotal decisions, like heading to the hospital or calling your midwife.

We also address common uncertainties, like:

• What if I don’t experience “textbook” signs like a bloody show or water breaking?

• How can my partner use these emotional cues to support me better?

Drawing on insights from the Bradley Method and my personal experience, I’ll share how recognizing these emotional phases helped me trust my intuition and make critical decisions during labor—despite not having traditional physical cues.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a deeper understanding of the emotional rhythm of labor and how it can be just as important as tracking contractions or watching for physical milestones. Share this episode with your support partner and use it as a foundation for creating a labor experience that feels grounded, intuitive, and uniquely yours.

Click here to check out the resource from this episode "Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way: Revised Edition" by Susan McCutcheon.

CRAVING MORE? To dive deeper into the Back from the Borderline universe, explore my recommendations and access premium content, visit backfromtheborderline.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Next Episode

the labor map pt 7: different ways labor might begin

When it comes to how labor starts, Hollywood has done a hell of a job setting us all up for confusion. We’re taught to expect a dramatic gush of water, frantic dashes to the hospital, and chaos unfolding in real-time. But for most of us, labor doesn’t look—or feel—anything like that.

This is part seven of our multi-episode Labor Map series, where we’re breaking down the twists, turns, and unpredictable paths of labor.

In this episode, we’re pulling apart the myths and zooming in on reality. Labor can begin in ways so subtle you might miss them—a slow trickle of amniotic fluid, the release of a mucus plug you weren’t even looking for, or maybe just a relentless, unshakable ache in your back. Sometimes it starts quietly, other times it comes in roaring—but one thing’s for sure: there’s no single, right way for this to unfold.

We’ll dig into how different scenarios play out, what they might mean, and how to trust your body through the uncertainty. Because at the end of the day, labor doesn’t follow a script, and it doesn’t owe us a dramatic “movie moment.” It just starts—messy, unpredictable, and uniquely yours.

CRAVING MORE? To dive deeper into the Back from the Borderline universe, explore my recommendations and access premium content, visit backfromtheborderline.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.