Things to consider during the resting phase can include:
Don't intervene or panic
Posterior position
Should there be a resting phase?
Fetal distress
Epidural
Don't intervene or panic. If you have been having good contractions up until this point, then they will return! Enjoy the rest. It is normal, so don't worry about breaking the waters (if they are not yet) or putting up an oxytocin drip (or even natural remedies for that matter) to start the labour again. If you have some emotional concerns about either the pushing phase or giving birth, then this resting phase can sometimes be prolonged. You may need to come to terms with your issues before the labour can continue. Sometimes the choice to intervene is made because it is necessary to help you move 'emotionally' through this stage of the labour. You may wish to read more in
slow progress.
Posterior position. If your baby is in a
posterior position, then the resting phase can allow the baby time to rotate around into the woman's side or front. Pushing too early or breaking the waters before they are ready to break on their own, can sometimes bring the baby further down into the pelvis in the posterior position, increasing your chances of needing forceps to rotate the baby.
You can encourage your baby to rotate around (so that their back faces more towards your belly) by using different positions and movements. These can include standing and leaning forward, kneeling forward, or being on all fours, or sitting on the toilet (this can allow your pelvic floor to relax). If you have an epidural in place, then lying on the opposite side to which your baby is lying, (for example if you know your baby is lying on the right side of your belly, then lie on your left side to encourage your baby to move around to the front). This can also be a good position if you are tired, as it allows you to rest.