Exploring OP and Challenging Labours Sydney 2025 offers an in-depth exploration of Occipital-Posterior (OP) labour, examining the challenges, cultural perspectives, and practical approaches to supporting women through this experience.

When babies present in the OP position, labour can be longer, more intense, and exhausting, often leading women to opt for epidurals as relief. However, with the right knowledge and skills, physiological birth is not only possible but empowering. Supporting women through OP labour helps reinforce their confidence in their ability to give birth while also strengthening midwives’ expertise in facilitating normal birth and reducing unnecessary interventions.

Through interactive learning and hands-on practice, this workshop provides midwives and birth workers with the tools to enhance care for women experiencing OP labour. Participants will explore movement, positioning, and other physiological techniques to support progress and comfort in labour.

Join us in Sydney in 2025 to expand your understanding, refine your skills, and make a meaningful impact in maternity care.

Please note: We’ve made some changes to the workshops! This event covers the exact same content as the previous Supporting OP Labour workshop.

Supporting OP and Challenging Labours Sydney 2025 – Workshop Objectives:

✔ Explore the Challenges – Understand the complexities of occipital-posterior (OP) labour and its effects on labour progression and pain management.

✔ Analyse Contemporary Practices – Examine the current medical culture and approaches to managing OP labours, including common interventions and alternatives.

✔ Review Statistics & Trends – Assess recent data and research on OP labours, their frequency, and outcomes to inform best practices.

✔ Develop Practical Strategies – Gain hands-on experience with techniques such as movement, positioning, and hands-on support to assist women through OP labour.

Learner outcomes:

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

✔ Critically Examine OP Labour – Explore the broader context of occipital-posterior (OP) labours, including the information provided to women and its impact on decision-making.

✔ Build a Practical Toolkit – Gather hands-on techniques and strategies to support labour and birth, helping women navigate OP labours more effectively.

✔ Enhance Communication Skills – Develop strategies for clear, supportive communication with women and colleagues to foster confidence and collaboration in managing OP labours.

Continuing Professional Development Points

CPD Endorsed hours: 3.25

Program

Download our full Exploring OP and Challenging Labours program here FULL PROGRAM PDF

Facilitator

Learn more about our facilitator Lynne Staff.

Cost

The cost of the Exploring OP and Challenging Labours is $135. The price includes morning or afternoon tea. Student and group discounts are available – contact us for details by email or phone us on (02) 9630 5357 for more information.

The Early Bird discounted ticket is $115.00. Save $20 when you register early! Registrations must be paid for by the 9th of August 2025 to receive this discount.

Combine workshops to save even more.

Here are our dates for Exploring OP and Challenging Labours Workshop for 2025

Melbourne: Friday 21st March 2025
Brisbane: Wednesday 23rd July 2025
Sydney: Friday 19th September 2025

Workshop numbers are limited.

If your hospital or area health service wants to sponsor a program on this topic for the benefit of you and your colleagues, please email or phone us on (02) 9630 5357 for information on how to set up in-service courses through Birth International.

This is a half-day workshop. Make it a full-day experience by signing up for Exploring Postdates Pregnancy Sydney 2025

Our Supporting OP Labour Workshop explores this issue in detail, examines the culture of contemporary practice surrounding OP labours and helps you develop practical skills when caring for women experiencing OP labour.

When babies present in the occipital-posterior (OP) position, labour is usually longer, more painful and tiring, with women frequently opting for epidurals as a "way out". Working with women to achieve a physiological birth rewards women and midwives. It supports women’s belief in their innate ability to give birth. It reinforces midwives' unique knowledge and skills to support women and their partners to keep labour and birth normal and avoid interventions.

Participants will engage in several practical skills, including language, positioning, rebozo, dance, movement, massage and counter-pressure.