STOP Obsessing Over Dilation! ( The 3 Things Other Than Dilation That Must Happen For Labor Progress) | Ep. 85

✨ Download The FREE Speedy Birth Blueprint Here🕊  The DIY Doula Guide For Catholic Moms🕊  Join The Holy Confident Birth CourseInside you will find:- Instant access to 10+ hours of video lessons- 150+ Page E-Book packed with practical resources to help you through pregnancy & birth - Taught with a uniquely Catholic perspective on the birth process, and a holistic approach while including evidence-based and medically accurate information. - Lessons from other birth professionals including a functional nutritionist, a webster certified chiropractor, and a midwife- *NEW* A live monthly Q+A with Eve to address your personal questions!!- *NEW* Access to a private facebook community of other Catholic women preparing for God-centered, natural births🧺 Shop my favorite birth + postpartum products on Amazon Dilation is only one piece of the labor progress puzzle. In this episode, we’re breaking down the other important changes happening during labor, including effacement, cervical softening, and baby’s station.You’ll learn why you can be “only” two or four centimeters and still be making significant progress, how baby’s descent plays a role in dilation, and why cervical exams are really just a snapshot of what’s happening in that moment.Most importantly, you’ll walk away with a better understanding of what’s actually happening in your body so you can feel more confident when your labor doesn’t follow the textbook timeline.00:00 — Why dilation isn’t the whole picture02:00 — The “only two centimeters” story04:00 — Effacement: thinning and shortening06:00 — Cervical softening and prostaglandins08:30 — Why baby’s station matters10:30 — How baby helps the cervix dilate11:30 — Birth is more than 0–10 centimeters12:00 — What to ask instead of “How many centimeters?”13:00 — Why you may want to skip the dilation numberMedical Advice Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for care from your physician, midwife, or qualified healthcare provider. I recommend consulting your provider regarding your specific medical situation and before making decisions about your care.