top of page
Writer's pictureClara O'Rourke

#64: The 5 Things That Slow Down Labor And What To Do About Them


Does the evidence show perineal massage is effective at preventing tearing? We are going to review the research and share if it’s worth it to spend time to do perineal massage to reduce tearing.


In this episode, we dive into the following:

  • What mindsets can impact our labor

  • The 5 things that can cause labor to slow down

  • What to do when things have slowed down



Welcome back to another episode of the “The Mindful Womb Podcast”! Today, we’re diving into a topic that many people fear but don’t fully understand—slow labor. What if I told you that sometimes, a slow labor is exactly what your body needs? In this episode, we explore the five things that can slow labor down and how you can respond in ways that support your body and baby, rather than fight against the process.


1. Fear and Anxiety: Your Body’s Built-in Brake

Fear can seriously stall labor. When we’re afraid or anxious, our body releases adrenaline, which triggers our fight-or-flight response. This can slow down contractions by decreasing oxytocin. It’s your body’s ancient wisdom in action—back when we were birthing in the wild, fear meant potential danger, so labor would slow down to keep you safe.


What to Do: Focus on shifting your mindset. Trust that your body knows what to do. By fostering calm, you allow oxytocin (the love hormone!) to flow, helping your labor progress naturally. Positive support from your birth team and mental preparedness can be game-changers. Ask yourself if there is something you’re afraid of and work to clear it.


2. Energy Drain: Labor Is Hard Work, Feed Your Body

Ever heard the phrase “labor is a marathon, not a sprint”? It’s true. Lack of energy, whether from fatigue or poor nourishment, can really slow things down. Your uterus is a muscle that needs fuel to function effectively, and running on empty can make contractions less effective.


What to Do: Make sure you’re eating and hydrating. Even if your hospital says hospital policy “limits what you can have” you should check out Episode 54. Is It Safe to Eat and Drink During Labor? Unpacking the Evidence and Controversy to make a choice that feels with to you. If you choose not to eat, clear fluids like coconut water or honey sticks can provide a quick energy boost. Nourishment equals safety, which signals to your body that it’s okay to keep moving forward.


3. Staying Still: Movement Matters

We’ve all heard the saying, “motion is lotion,” and that holds true in labor. Sometimes, slow labor happens because the baby is having trouble navigating tight spaces in your pelvis. If you’ve been in the same position for hours, especially with an epidural, this can slow your baby’s descent.


What to Do: Change positions regularly, especially if you’ve been lying down for a while. Small adjustments in your posture can create more space in your pelvis, helping your baby move down. Upright positions can help leverage the power of gravity to encourage baby to descend. Try moving every 30 minutes to keep things progressing.


4. Perception vs. Reality: Is Labor Actually “Slow”?

Often, what feels slow might not be slow at all. Labor timelines are personal, and not every labor follows the textbook. Many people get caught up in the idea that labor isn’t progressing if it’s not following a certain pace, but that’s not always the case.


What to Do: Focus on the bigger picture. Is your labor moving forward, even if it’s at a slower pace? Take breaks and check in with your care provider, but don’t rush to interventions unless absolutely necessary. Trust that your body and baby are working together on their own timeline. I’ve linked ACOG’s update on “Labor Arrest” below which is a helpful reminder of what conditions should be present before a care provider recommends a cesarean due to labor “taking too long.”


5. Perspective Shift: Sometimes, Slowing Down Is Necessary

One of the most powerful mindset shifts is realizing that a pause in labor isn’t always a sign of dysfunction. Sometimes, your body is giving you or your baby a much-needed break to prepare for the next phase.


What to Do: Embrace these pauses. They could mean your baby is transitioning or navigating a tricky part of your pelvis. Rest can be part of labor progress. Trust that your body knows when it’s time to slow down and when it’s time to pick back up.


A slow labor isn’t necessarily a problem—it can be an opportunity for your body to do what it needs to do. From mindset shifts to fueling your body, making small adjustments can make a big difference. So instead of fighting against the pace of your labor, embrace it.


For more tips on navigating labor mindfully, and how to advocate if your provider is pushy about labor progress,  check out my childbirth education course, "A Path to a Powerful Birth," where we dive deeper into advocacy, mindset techniques, and avoiding unnecessary interventions. Learn more at clearlightbirth.com/power


Resources mentioned in the episode:



 

Thank You for Listening

If this episode lights you up, I’d love it if you’d rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. After you review the show, snap a pic and upload it here… and I’ll send you a little surprise as a thank you.


Your feedback helps this podcast grow, and I am so grateful for your support!


Don’t forget to subscribe to the Mindful Womb Podcast on iTunes so you never miss an episode.

 


5 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page