By Lovetti Lafua Nurse Midwife, Biologist, Human Optimisation Researcher
Birth education should empower families, not overwhelm them. Over my years in practice, I’ve found that understanding a few key concepts can transform the way parents and birth workers experience the early hours and days with a newborn.
The Truth About Newborn “Sleep Cycles”
Newborns do not have mature sleep cycles. Instead, they operate on eat sleep rhythms driven largely by metabolism and blood glucose. When we understand this, cluster feeding becomes less stressful it’s not a sign of “overfeeding,” “bad habits,” or “being used as a pacifier.” It is simply biology doing its job.
And after a period of intense feeding, there is often a beautiful stretch of deeper sleep. When feeding dramatically outweighs sleep, it can sometimes be a cue to check in and make sure breastfeeding is well supported.
When Baby’s Position Speaks
Abnormal fetal lie often reflects more than anatomy. In my experience, it can mirror emotional states within the mother lingering fears, trauma, or feelings of unsafety. Babies sometimes respond to their mother’s inner world more than we realize.
Of course, physical factors like a low-lying placenta also influence positioning. In many cases, strong contractions eventually guide the baby into a better position. Home visits offer the richest insight into what the body may be trying to express.
Shoulder Dystocia: Understanding the Newborn’s Immediate Response
Few situations command more respect during birth than shoulder dystocia. Over time, I’ve come to understand the newborn’s stress response with more nuance.
Many babies who experience shoulder dystocia do not face true asphyxia. Rather, they often present with a protective bradycardia triggered by pressure or by maneuvers used during birth. They may emerge floppy with a dusky head and paler body, yet maintain a strong heart rate around 100 a pattern that looks frightening but often improves rapidly.
When the cord remains intact, these babies typically stabilize quickly as placental transfusion supports their transition. Prematurely cutting the cord may interrupt this natural recovery.
What I’ve learned is simple:
Gentle support, calm observation, and respect for physiology matter as much as any technique.
