Many parents ask me this question, so I thought that I would write a quick post on this one.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a one size fit all answer, so instead I’ll share a few helpful facts and some general advice.
🌿 Your body knows
If you create a conducive birth environment where you feel safe and relaxed and ask your care providers to respect your bubble of privacy and calm, your body will instinctively guide you throughout labour to move in the most conducive positions FOR YOU AND YOUR BABY. It is impossible to know in advance what will feel right and what will be the most comfortable positions for you. You just need to be supported to move freely and in a complete uninhibited way.
Yoga practice and daily movements during pregnancy will also support you to move more spontaneously and comfortably during labour.
🌿 Think UFO 🛸
Upward, Forward and Open positions during the first stage of labour will increase the space in your pelvis outlet by up to 30% compared to lying on your back!
🌿 Forget what you have seen on TV! 📺
Being on your back or in a semi recumbent position is by nature the least efficient and more uncomfortable position to birth your baby – would you ever lie on your back to do a poo?? By adopting an upward position (whichever one that feels right at the time of bringing your baby earth-side), you are working with gravity. If you are upward or on your hands and knees, your vagina is pointing downwards. If you are on your back or semi recumbent, your vagina is pointing upward…
🌿 More reasons for not lying on your back... 🦴
The 5 little bones that form your coccyx (at the base of your spine) move outwards to make room for baby to be born more easily. However, if you are lying on your back you are restricting this amazing design of our bodies and making it harder for yourself and baby. This is why any upward (squatting for example) or hands and knees positions are more efficient.
Being on all fours or side-lying can also reduce your risk of tearing.
🌿 KICO! 🦵
Having your knees apart (legs wide) opens the top part of your pelvis which is particularly conducive for the first stage of labour. However, having your knees together/calves out (KICO position) creates more space in the bottom part of the pelvis for baby to be born more easily! This position adjustment often comes instinctively during the pushing stage to Mamas who are having a gentle physiological birth.
🌿 Biomechanics for Birth
Although, trusting your body and your baby to guide you to adopt the best positions for you during labour is the most important thing to remember here. Having knowledge on BIOMECHANICS FOR BIRTH can be incredibly useful for parents if labour is slow to progress (often due to baby’s difficult positioning or pelvic misalignment). Spinning Babies has wonderful resources accessible to anyone who wish to know more about it. The Miles Circuit is also a great option to find guidance on positions that will help baby line up before labour or if labour is slow to progress.
