Birthing Positions for a Smoother Natural Labor

 Childbirth, often a hushed topic, is a profoundly transformative experience in a woman’s life. It’s a subject that is frequently downplayed until the moment arrives when you find yourself in the delivery room. Traditionally, people witness countless TV and movie scenes where women are on their backs, knees spread wide, but have you ever wondered whether this traditional approach is truly the best choice for both the mother and the baby, especially in the context of natural childbirth?

Traditional Birthing Positions:

Hollywood and advertising have perpetuated the image of women giving birth on their backs with their knees spread wide as the preferred position for many healthcare providers. However, is it the ideal choice for a natural birth?

The reality is that the traditional position of birthing on your back, with knees spread wide, may not be as favorable as it appears. In fact, it can have several adverse effects on the natural labor process, affecting both its duration and the risk of complications.

Let’s Break down Traditional Birthing Positions:

• Narrowing the Pathway: When you lie on your back with your knees spread wide, you narrow the bottom of your pelvis through which your baby must pass during the pushing stage. This can make the process slower and more challenging for both you and your baby.

• Increased Labor Duration: Due to the restricted pathway, labor can often become longer than necessary. The baby has to navigate through a constricted space, which can prolong the process, leading to exhaustion and discomfort for the mother.
• Higher Risk of Tearing: The narrowed pathway can also increase the risk of tearing during delivery. The pressure exerted on the perineum in this position can lead to tears that may require stitches postpartum.

Exploring Alternative Birthing Positions:

So, if the conventional position isn’t ideal, what are the alternatives? It’s time to introduce some mind-blowing concepts that can revolutionize the natural birth experience for both mothers and babies.

• Knees Closer Together, Ankles Rotated Out: A more favorable position involves bringing your knees closer together and rotating your ankles outward while giving birth. This stance creates more space between the sit bones, allowing your sacrum to pull the tailbone out of the way naturally. This increased space can make the birthing process smoother and less painful.

Check out this video to see how you should position your knees and ankles.

 

• Hands and Knees or High Squat: Another option is to consider birthing on your hands and knees or in a high squat position. These postures open up the bottom of the pelvis, creating more room for your baby to move through, reducing the risk of complications, and potentially shortening the duration of labor.

Check out this video to learn the correct positioning when opting for the hands and knees birthing position.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CuaAAFlJqR8/

• Discovering Your Pelvis: To truly appreciate the importance of birthing positions for natural birth, take a moment to feel your pelvis. This mind-blowing exercise works for both men and women because we all share the same basic pelvis structure. Understanding the dynamics of your own pelvis can empower you to advocate for the birthing position that suits you best.

Check out this video to learn some mind-blowing exercises to achieve these birthing positions.

https://www.facebook.com/serenitylifedoula/videos/1415791642627436

Natural Birthing Exercises During Pregnancy:

During pregnancy, it’s essential to stay active and prepare your body for natural childbirth. Engaging in specific pregnancy exercises can significantly benefit your birthing experience. Check out this blog on Exercises that will Strengthen your Birth Journey.

Advocate for Your Birthing Position:

It’s crucial for expecting mothers to advocate for their birthing position. Your comfort and the well-being of your baby should be the top priority. Seek a healthcare provider who is confident in their skill set to assist you in delivering your baby in a position that aligns with your preferences and needs.

Educate yourself about the various birthing positions and their implications. Consider attending natural birth workshops to learn more about your options and make informed decisions about your birthing experience.

The bottom line is that childbirth is a deeply personal and transformative journey. It’s time to challenge the status quo and prioritize birthing positions that promote a smoother, safer, and more comfortable experience for both mothers and babies. So, let’s rethink those Hollywood birthing scenes and rewrite the narrative for a more empowering birth experience.