Leah Albers and colleagues at the University of New Mexico (US) are doing some wonderful research on this topic.

Jo Anne Davis

Jo Anne P. Davis, CNM, PhDc
Midwifery Faculty
New York University College of Nursing

----- Original Message -----

From: Chris McCourt <[log in to unmask]>

Date: Monday, February 12, 2007 12:04 pm

Subject: length of labour

> dear all
>
> I'm interested to know whether there is any written or research
> evidenceon whether norms of the length of labour have changed in
> the recent
> past. I'm aware of the impact of Friedmans work on practices in labour
> wards, but am wondering whether there is anything to suggest further
> trends in what is seen as a 'normal' length of labour (and by
> association, whether this could be related, in either direction, to
> rising intervention rates)
>
> all ideas on relevant evidence sources, or personal/professional
> observations welcome
>
> Chris
>