Resolving Labor Dystocias: A Midwifery Model Approach

A practical, evidence-based workshop for midwives and birth professionals.
Learn how to identify, support, and resolve slow or stalled labor – while honoring physiologic birth.

Course Overview

Labor doesn’t always follow a smooth curve, and when it doesn’t midwives must rely on skill, insight, and gentle interventions to keep labor safe and progressing.

This 4-hour workshop is designed to equip midwives, students, and birth professionals with the tools to recognize and respond to labor dystocia in alignment with the midwifery model of care. Participants will explore the root causes of stalled labor, effective hands-on solutions, and clear decision-making strategies for timely transfer when needed.

From prodromal labor to true obstruction, this course is rich in practical detail, interactive case studies, and a compassionate, physiologic approach.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Define and differentiate common forms of labor dystocia
Identify contributing factors using the “3 Ps”: Power, Passenger, and Passage
Apply midwifery-based management strategies for each dystocia type
Recognize maternal and fetal indicators that require escalated care or transfer
Communicate effectively with receiving facilities to ensure smooth care transitions
Support clients emotionally and physically through challenging labor experiences

Topics Covered

  • Normal vs. dysfunctional labor patterns
  • Prodromal, prolonged early, start-and-stop, and long/strong labors
  • Obstructed labor and malpositions (OP, brow, transverse, etc.)
  • Hands-on interventions: positioning, direct manipulation, hydrotherapy, and rest
  • Signs of fetal distress, uterine rupture, maternal exhaustion
  • When and how to initiate a safe and respectful transfer
  • Live case studies: Collaborative problem-solving through real scenarios

Teaching Methods

  • Expert-led lecture
  • Case-based group discussion
  • Practical tools for labor management
  • Transfer communication checklists
  • Scenario-based Q&A

Instructor

Sarah Foster, LM, CPM, MA-MCHS
Sarah Foster is a licensed midwife and systems-level maternal health expert with over two decades of experience in birth work. As the owner of a busy birth center and an active educator, Sarah brings clinical depth, emotional intelligence, and policy-level insight to her teaching. Her courses balance evidence-based content with the warmth and wisdom of hands-on practice.

Continuing Education

This course is eligible for CEUs/CPDs through recognized accrediting bodies (upon approval or request). Certificates of completion are provided.

Course Details

Duration: 2 hours
Format: Live (in-person or virtual)
Ideal For:

  • Midwives (CPM, CNM, LM)
  • Student midwives
  • Labor & delivery nurses
  • Doula trainers
  • Birth center teams
  • Midwifery schools

What You’ll Receive

  • Downloadable course outline
  • Case-based learning tools
  • Recommended reading list
  • Certificate of attendance

Book or Learn More

Want to host Resolving Labor Dystocias for your group or training?
Reach out to inquire about availability, custom formats, or CEU details.

📧 Email: sarah.foster@tulsabirthcenter.com
📘 Facebook: FindSarahFoster

“When we understand the causes of labor dystocia, we can respond with wisdom—not fear. This course teaches midwives how to support the body’s work without rushing or retreating.”

— Sarah Foster