5 Childbirth Positions to Relieve Pain.
Childbirth is a unique moment in a woman's life, and choosing the right one birthing position can have a significant impact on the comfort of the mother-to-be, the duration of labor and the well-being of the baby.
For centuries, lying on your back has been favored in hospitals, but more and more women are seeking more natural and physiological alternatives. From the squatting position to the side position, including the use of a ball, several choices are available to future mothers in Quebec.
This article will guide you through the different positions childbirth, their advantages and disadvantages, the impact on pain, and will help you choose the one that best suits your needs and situation.
All positions for a gentler birth
Guide illustrated by our doulas: positions that help baby get off, relieve pain naturally and make each phase of labor easier. Download for free.
It does not exist no ideal universal position for pushing, but some are more suitable than others according to the needs of the mother and baby.
The criteria to take into account:
✔️ With epidural : some positions are limited, but the side position is often recommended to clear the sacrum and facilitate birth. An ambulatory epidural allows a greater field of positions (on the side, on all fours...)
✔️ Without epidural : vertical positions (standing, squatting, on all fours) use gravity and allow a more natural birth. Generally speaking, during childbirth without an epidural, the body makes it easier for us to feel the ideal position in which to push.
✔️ Pain management : certain positions allow you to better tolerate contractions and reduce pain naturally.
✔️ Partner involvement : if you want the dad to support you physically, certain positions, such as squatting while leaning on him, are ideal.
It is recommended d’try several positions go ahead to see which ones seem most natural and comfortable to you.
Why is lying on your back most common?
Despite its drawbacks, this position remains the norm in many hospitals:
📌 Medical accessibility : This position facilitates the work of doctors and nursing staff to monitor work and intervene if necessary.
📌 Hospital standardization : Since the 17th century, this position has been popularized by modern obstetric practices.
However, this position sometimes slows down work and makes eviction more difficult, hence the interest in considering other options.
Master these positions before the big day
Our certified guides come to your home and guide you, with your partner, in learning the positions best suited to your body, your pelvis and your birth plan. 100% personalized content, covered by private insurance.
Can you change position during work?
Yes, and it is often recommended !
📌 Pain reduction : Changing position can relieve pressure and decrease painful contractions.
📌 Facilitating the baby's descent : Certain positions help the baby engage better in the pelvis.
📌 Prevention of blockages : Alternating between different positions helps avoid stagnant work.
Midwives and accompanying generally encourage women to test multiple positions as the work progresses.
Childbirth position with partner
Childbirth is an intense time, both physically and emotionally, and having an attentive co-parent can make all the difference. Whether it is the second parent, a loved one or a trusted person, their support helps the mother-to-be to better manage the pain, to feel safe and to live this moment in the best possible conditions.
Childbirth requires a lot of effort, and some positions require external support to be maintained for longer. This is where the co-parent plays an essential role:
✔️ The squatting position with support on the co-parent : This posture uses gravity to facilitate the expulsion of the baby and open the pelvis. However, it can be tiring, which is why the co-parent can stand behind the mother and support her under the arms, helping her stay in position while relieving some of her weight. He can also sit behind her and offer her a stable point of support.
✔️ Help change position : during labor, it is recommended to alternate positions to avoid stagnation and reduce pain. The co-parent can help the mother-to-be get up, lean on him or reposition herself gently.
THE prenatal classes group are a great option for training with your co-parent!
Balloon position: a comfortable alternative
The birthing balloon, also called birth balloon or Swiss Ball, is a tool very popular with pregnant women to relieve tension and facilitate labor. Comfortable, versatile and easy to use, it offers an effective alternative to classic positions by allowing the mother-to-be to maintain movement while reducing the intensity of contractions.
He is particularly recommended from the first phases of work, when the cervix begins to dilate and contractions become more regular. Its use allows promote smoother progress of work while helping pregnant women manage stress and pain.
| Benefits of the birthing ball | Explanations |
|---|---|
| 💐 Relieve pain naturally | Movements performed on the ball, such as slight oscillations of the pelvis or circles, help reduce pressure on the back and perineum. These movements also help relax muscles and release endorphins, the natural feel-good hormones that reduce the feeling of pain. |
| 🧘🏽♀️ Encourage the opening of the pool | In a sitting position on the ball, the mother-to-be keeps her pelvis mobile, which makes it easier for the baby to descend. Unlike lying down, which can slow down labor, using the ball encourages optimal opening of the pelvis and allows the baby to better engage in the birth canal. |
| ↻ Improve blood circulation and oxygenate the baby | Being moving on the ball stimulates blood circulation, which improves the baby's oxygenation and prevents certain inconveniences such as numbness or pain in the legs. |
| 🤸♀️ Maintain mobility while being supported | Unlike standing positions which can be tiring, the ball allows you to remain mobile without supporting the entire weight of your body. The mother-to-be can lean on the ball to make gentle, fluid movements that help better tolerate contractions. |
| 🥼 A useful tool with or without an epidural | Even in the case of an epidural, the use of the ball can be beneficial, particularly in a seated or semi-recumbent position, to encourage harmonious progress of work while limiting discomfort. |
| 🤰🏻 Facilitate the transition between different phases of work | The ball allows you to vary positions easily, which is essential to avoid blockages and adapt to the intensity of contractions. |
The 5 stages of childbirth and the importance of positions
| Childbirth stage | What happens in the body | Which position to favor? |
|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ Pre-work | The cervix begins to gradually soften and dilate. The contractions are irregular and not very painful. | 🔹 Slow walk to encourage the baby's descent 🔹 Sit on the ball to relax the pelvis 🔹 Gentle stretching to relieve tension |
| 2️⃣ Active work | Contractions become regular, more intense and more frequent. The collar gradually opens up to 7 cm. | 🔹 Four-legged position to relieve lower back pain 🔹 Squatting to speed up dilation 🔹 On the ball to better manage contractions |
| 3️⃣ The transition | Most intense phase, where the cervix reaches 10 cm. The contractions are very close together and intense. | 🔹 On the side to avoid excessive pressure on the perineum 🔹 Squatting with support on the co-parent 🔹 Position leaning over a ball or bed to release tension |
| 4️⃣ Expulsion | The baby moves down and out of the birth canal thanks to the thrusts. It's the time of birth. | 🔹 Squatting to maximize the opening of the pelvis 🔹 Semi-seated to take advantage of gravity 🔹 On all fours for better thrust management |
| 5️⃣ Deliverance | The placenta is expelled after the baby is born. The contractions continue but are less intense. | 🔹 Lying position on your back or side to promote expulsion of the placenta and recover 🔹 Skin-to-skin contact with baby to promote oxytocin |
You are preparing for childbirth: let's also think about what comes next
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