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Choosing a Labor Position
When you imagine yourself in labor, how do you see yourself? The position you choose should be a comfortable one that helps you do your job with as much ease as possible. You should discuss your options with your doctor or midwife -- but remember, the positions you choose are up to you.
Most people in the U.S. picture the classic and cliche woman-flat-on-back kind of labor. But there are a lot of reasons to try to get off your back during your child's birth. Upright positions tend to offer:
- Shorter labor
- Reduced need for medication
- Help in dilating your cervix and widening your pelvic opening
- Greater sense of self-confidence and self-control
- Stronger, more efficient, and less painful contractions
- Aid for the baby's descent through the birth canal
- Help in bringing oxygen to the muscles in your uterus and to the baby
- Reduced need for episiotomy or cesarean section
- Less stress on the baby
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Comments
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These ideas of birthing positions are not new. Lol. They've been around since the beginning of time. In fact, most women only gave birth on a birthing stool or standing up supported before hospitals even handled labor/delivery like it is a sickness. If you want the best, most empowering birth you are entitled to as a woman, do yourself a favor and get a midwife at a birthing center or have a home birth with one.
10/21/2011 11:58:00 AM Report Abusei had my baby last month and I wasnt able to leave the bed once i got to the hospital. I had no complications and this was before any medication was given. I was quite irritated but it seemed to be the hospital policy
6/24/2011 07:12:38 AM Report AbuseI didn't realize any of these positions were new. I had my son 5 years ago and knew about all of this. My midwife always encouraged me to move around and just be in what positions feel the best not what is best for her. And I'm very sure it will be the same this time around. But I'm glad people are finally accepting that birth is natural.
5/7/2011 11:50:25 AM Report AbuseThank you! I'm excited to try these different positions- baby's coming soon :)
4/8/2011 01:14:31 PM Report Abusei think it is interesting to say the least that it is now "acceptable" to have a different labor position than the dead turtle. dr.s will now "allow" you to be somewhat comfortable. i'm sorry but i didn't realize that the dr was the one that needed to be in the best position to "catch" your child. watch out for those that say you can labor how you want but you have to lay on your back to push. yea right!!! ever heard of gravity???
3/11/2011 01:43:50 PM Report AbuseI was on my hands and knees for most of my labor with my daughter which felt really good considering I had back labor. I was able to rock back and forth and it really releived some of the pressure!
12/17/2010 11:19:34 AM Report AbuseI tried to use a birthing tub and found I got overheated very quickly. I ended up giving birth on my side, which was o.k. but this time I'm going to attempt kneeling-which seems like it might be easier for me to remain stable, feel confident and maintain eye contact with my partner as well.
11/19/2010 11:01:22 AM Report AbuseI got off my back for my first delivery and it was amazing. It felt so good to be able to take it into my own hands and be in control.
8/6/2010 10:44:34 PM Report Abuse