At class last week, Julie taught us about N.A.P., which stands for Natural Alignment Plateau. The N.A.P. is a period of time during labor when the cervix stops dilating although contractions continue. N.A.P. is a normal part of the first stage of labor and occurs in over 50% of natural births.
Many times labor is seen through the lens of a textbook that says as time increases the cervix should continue to dilate at the same consistent pace. When this doesn't happen, mothers may become discouraged that they are not "progressing as they should." Sometimes interventions such as the Artificial Rupture of Membranes and Pitocin are suggested and the couple is faced with some decisions to make. Baby is doing fine, but they are being told that Mom is not progressing. It sounds like Momma's body is in the middle of a N.A.P., and if she knows this ahead of time, she can embrace this hiatus and know that everything is fine and normal in her labor.
Below is a simple diagram of the Natural Alignment Plateau. (found in the Bradley Method Textbook and from aNatural Childbirth Website)
During a
N.A.P. time, there may be many necessary things that are taking place for the birth process to continue. Some of them include:
1. The baby is finding the best possible position to move through the mother's pelvis.
2. The pelvis is preparing to accommodate the descent of the baby. The cartilage may be softening and the ligaments may be working to increase flexibility.
3. The breasts are working hard to form all the necessary immunities to protect the baby after birth. Secretion from the breast before labor starts are very low in these immunities, but right after baby is born, the breast are full of them. Therefore, it may take some time to produce and get ready.
4. The baby may be in need of a nice massage! The contractions not only bring baby down, but also massage the baby and prepare his or her lungs for breathing on the outside.
5. The mother may be experiencing some psychological changes as she knows its almost time to meet her child. She may need some time to adjust to taking on the responsibility of another life.
So Ladies, if you find yourself "stuck" at a certain dilation, remember N.A.P., and rest in the fact that it is completely normal. Also, limit the times you get checked for dilation. Not only will it lower the risks for infection, it will lower the likelihood for discouragement if you are having a longer first stage of labor.
You are going to do great!
