by Whapio Diane Bartlett, Traditional Midwife and Director of The Matrona
(Pre-labor and latent labor)
Labor is a journey. The preparation is often conscious, deliberate, and sacred—nesting, arranging, readying home and body. Mother senses the journey is near; subtle signs—contractions, cervical changes—whisper that labor is approaching.
Embarkation is when she realizes labor has begun. Excitement, nervousness, care for loved ones, and anticipation mingle. She may quietly take leave with her partner, call her family, or alert her chosen caregiver. Many mothers spend this time attuning to their body, noticing the waves of sensation, gradually moving from chatty to serious as contractions intensify.
This is early labor: 30–45 seconds, 5–10 minutes apart, with cervix beginning to efface and dilate. Mother begins to step away from ordinary reality, preparing to meet the Unknown.
(First Stage, Active Labor)
The Veil is the threshold between ordinary reality and the deep, altered state of labor. Mother begins to move inward, guided by instinct and endorphins, accessing Alpha and Theta states of consciousness. She may come and go from the Veil several times before fully stepping through.
Her chatty persona fades; a profound seriousness emerges. Color shifts, subtle smells, and energy signals indicate her passage. Contractions now last about 60 seconds, spaced roughly five minutes apart. She begins to leave the ordinary world behind, quietly summoning her caregivers to witness her journey without disrupting it.
(Active Labor, First Stage)
Here, Mother craves silence, privacy, warmth, and intimacy. She tunes into her partner, her Guardian, and the rhythm of her labor. Together, they communicate in a silent language; she may see visions, hear the voice of her child, or sense colors and energy.
She moves through Theta and Delta brainwave states, accessing profound wisdom and transformation. Contractions lengthen (60–90 seconds) and intensity builds. Mother may vocalize softly or not at all, respond to touch, water, or eye contact—or simply move alone in the dark sanctuary of her labor.
Caregivers witness quietly, offering presence without intrusion. Mother climbs higher as she plunges deeper.