I was induced with AROM, then the drip (also had an epi about 6 hours in) was in labour for 10 hours but never progressed past 4 cm. end result ECS.
For some reason once they started the drip, my contractions slowed down, I was also really ***** scared of the drip and that was when I said I wanted the epi.
bub was also posterior, but I think for me it was a combination of not trusting the people around me, being scared, and not having the belief that things were going to happen naturally, I was told straight up that I would almost definately be having a Csection- but hey we will let you experience labour so you dont feel like you are missing out
I really think the epi stalled things too, thats pretty common, but im guessing your friend dint have one?