Welcome to our first labor position of the week! If you’ve studied up on childbirth at all, you probably know that changing positions during labor has tons of benefits. But you may not be familiar with what positions are best and when to use them.
Although our culture’s portrayals of birth usually show a woman lying on her back in a hospital bed, this position has the fewest benefits and the most drawbacks in birth!
Lying on your back during labor works against gravity, makes less space in your pelvis for baby to descend, compresses your major blood vessels, and puts you at greater risk of assisted delivery and episiotomy. No thanks!
Each week I’m going to do a deep dive on one labor position. I’ll help you understand why the position is helpful, when in labor to use it, and how to do it!
LET’S. GO.
I’m starting with an upright position, swaying with a partner. Upright positions increase the size of your pelvis, giving baby more room to descend. They also work together with gravity! So we’ll talk about several upright positions in the coming weeks.
Swaying with a partner is just what it sounds like. You may also hear it called slow dancing in labor. The main idea is that your partner is supporting and comforting you, and you are staying in rhythmic motion.
How this labor position helps you:
- Uses gravity to bring baby down lower into your pelvis
- Can relieve backache and make contractions less painful
- Creates more space for baby in the pelvis
- Encourages baby to rotate and descend through hip movement
- Allows for oxytocin to flow through the positive, supportive touch from your partner
When to use this labor position:
- Early in labor while waiting for labor to progress
- When you need to rest and feel supported but don’t want labor to slow down
- If labor has stalled and you need an oxytocin boost while keeping your pelvis open
How to do the supported swaying labor position:
This one is so simple! Lean on your partner for support and sway together. Move in a way that feels comfortable for you. Swaying and moving your hips is a key element of this position. This is also a great time for your partner to give you a back rub. Remember that positive touch keeps oxytocin flowing and helps labor progress.
This weekend on my Instagram, I’m sharing a reel demonstrating this position and reminding you of its key benefits. What do you think? Is this a position you’d try during labor? Let me know!
If you’re looking for more tips and education for your pregnancy and birth, you may benefit from a doula! I support families in person and online. Click the button below to learn more about me and how I can help you!