The Right Birthing Positions for You

It’s the day or your baby’s birth and you’re filled with apprehension and excitement and you prepare yourself to deliver your bundle of joy into the world. So, you start to position yourself – but exactly how do you do that? What are the right birthing positions?

Better Than Best

What’s the best birthing position? Actually, many expecting mothers switch and change positions during childbirth. Your body knows what’s best for you, but there are some things to keep in mind when anticipating your birthing day guide.

Our birth canals are shaped like a “J”. Your baby comes down, then up and over your pelvis, but if you lie flat on your back, your pelvis closes by 30%, which can make the birth longer and more painful.

Expecting mothers who engage in active labour positions shorten their birth on average by a third.

Birthing Positions and Health

The hypnobirthing home study course manual describes how active birth positions can make labour shorter and more efficient. It reduces sensations to a comfortable level, lessens your baby’s distress, makes your birthing easier and faster, actively involves your partner, and reduces birth trauma.

The manual includes how you can make the most out of your active birthing through some of the following:

• During surges, lift your bottom and lean forward to increase comfort.
• When resting, put your feet lower than your bottom to keep your pelvis open (sitting on a chair or ball is recommended).
• Your pelvis will open wider if your knees are lower than your hips.
• Rocking can increase comfort and lessen pain.

When in Labour

When you’re in an upright position, gravity will help you make your labour better. In between your surges, you can stand, walk, or lean backwards and forwards to loosen your back and spine.

You can also do the slow dance, where you rock rhythmically to and through with the help of your partner or midwife.

Kneeling on all fours takes the pressure of your back and helps the baby rotate to the most favourable position: occiput anterior.

Sitting on a chair or exercise ball is better than sitting on a bed. Moving your hips backwards and forwards can also be very helpful. You can also roll your hips in a circle. If you want to sit down during or in-between your surges, you can sit cross-legged on the floor, on a recliner or rocking chair for better comfort. You can also sit in the bath with your knees up.

An expecting mother can also squat. This will widen your pelvis and make it easier for your beautiful baby’s descent.

Lying flat on your back is not advantageous when giving birth, but you can lie on one side, with your body slightly curled. This will lessen your fatigue and increase comfort. This is a recommended position for longer labour when the mother needs time to rest and maintain relaxation.

Your partner or midwife should know about your preferences and condition so that they can help you acquire the proper birthing positions during your labour. Our hypnobirthing classes online in Manly and our hypnobirthing home study course help your birthing day became a relaxing, safe, and wonderful experience you will remember forever.