Having just read the other posts on this - after my reply - I think some people are confusing 'mechanical delivery'  (presumably meaning instrumental) with 'mechanisms of labour'. Mechanisms refer to the nature of the passage of the baby through the pelvis, and were taught extensively in my student days.  They do help one to understand just what is happening with regard to descent, rotation, and advancement of the baby and are different with each type of presentation, OA, OP, breech, face, brow etc.
We were taught that mento-posterior absolutely cannot deliver vaginally, but I'm sure a few have managed to get through, small baby in a generous sized pelvis.  It would be a difficult vaginal birth though and few would attempt it given a choice.  Mento-anterior though is really no harder than OA, but the dimension of the head as it flexes upwards and sweeps the perineum, would be larger than 'normal' and we were taught it was an absolute indication for an episiotomy - that was a while ago and I know better now.
The birth I refered to was quite delightful, and as the baby had only extended her head to a face presentation at the last minute, she was not excessively bruised. some I have seen have very severe facial swelling/bruising due to 'forwards' moulding of the face.
Actually, I did not know this girl, having just taken over her care when she suddenly started to push - when I saw two little lips appearing, for a moment I thought it was an undiagnosed breech (labia). When I saw the little nose I was much relieved!
Regards, Sue
PS
just home from late shift and had a lovely birth of baby complete in membranes!
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing"
Edmund Burke
----- Original Message -----
From: Emily
Sent: Tuesday, June 07, 2005 2:36 PM
Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] face presentation

what she meant by mechanically was that she thought the babes actually couldnt be born vaginally ie mechanically impossible to fit out ! not referring to instrumental delivery
she thought categorically that face presentation was an absolute indication for caesar/forceps.
 
yes it seems people who talk of delivering women and babies really do seem to do that. i wonder how much difference it would take if this language was changed? just simple things like people often say 'im going to deliver a baby' rather than 'im going to help a woman birth/deliver her baby.' simple words that would presumably make women feel much more in control and important in the whole process, rather than a bystander who is 'delivered'
 
here is that photo diary


Janet Fraser <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
I don't know what mechanically delivered means unless they mean using instruments. However the radmid site has great links to stories and pics of face presentations.
J
 


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