Changing Positions during Labor

Posted by Brenda Lane Jun 21, 2007

In recent years, mothers are encouraged more and more to stay out of bed and move as often as possible during labor. In fact there are multiple benefits for the mother and baby to change positions including helping to progress the labor, relieving back discomfort, reducing contraction pain, rotating the baby as well as increasing circulation.

In my travels, I discovered a helpful photo slide show of photos that mothers may find beneficial. Some of my personal favorites of the ones that are pictured are:

1. The slow dancing position with a partner - this is relaxing and helps the baby move down and/or rotate.
2. The lunge position which is helpful for turning a posterior or OT baby or to progress a slowed labor.
3. Hands and Knees position - this can reduce back pain and help to rotate a posterior baby.
4. Side-lying - this is a great position to conserve energy as well as to push in (with the top leg elevated) if the baby still needs to turn.

I often encourage my doula clients to seek positions that feel comfortable to them in labor since often they have a sense about what feels better. Another position (not pictured) is straddling a birth ball which can relieve pressure on the pelvic floor and is more relaxing than sitting in a chair.

Be sure to spend time practicing some of these positions, including use of the birth ball and lunging, prior to birth since they can be tricky to learn at first.

Just remember to keep moving during labor! You will feel better and it often is the key to a successful labor!

Warmly,

Brenda