Optimal Positions for Birth

Your comfort and safety are paramount for a successful childbirth experience. As an expectant parent, it’s good to learn about different birthing positions so you can be prepared in advance. That way, when the right moment comes, you can find one that is most suitable, safe, and comfortable.

Which Birthing Position is Best for Me?

At The Birth Center of New Jersey, we believe that the best birthing position is the one that feels right for you.

The foremost principle in choosing a birthing position is listening to your body. What feels most comfortable may change as labor progresses, and flexibility is key. Being open to changing positions based on your body’s cues and the baby’s needs is essential for a more manageable and effective labor.

The Side-Lying Position

A highly recommended position is the side-lying position for several reasons:

• It helps reduce the pressure on the perineum and may decrease the risk of tearing.
• Many women find that lying on their side with a pillow between their legs can help ease the pain of contractions.
• It assists in turning the baby into an optimal position for birth, especially if the baby’s head is already engaged in the pelvis.

This position is comfortable because it removes the pressure from your back and tailbone, especially if you have transferred from the birth center and had a spinal block or epidural.

Upright Positions

Being upright utilizes gravity to your advantage to aid the baby’s descent through the birth canal. Here are a few upright positions that many mothers find helpful:

• Standing: Leaning on a partner or a sturdy object during contractions can help manage the intensity while standing.
• Squatting: Supported squatting, either with the help of a partner, a squat bar, or a birthing stool opens the pelvis wider, allowing more space for the baby to descend.
• Walking: Gentle walking can help progress labor, though it may be more suitable during the early stages.
   

Hands and Knees

This position is helpful if the baby is in a posterior position (facing the mother’s abdomen). Being on hands and knees can encourage the baby to turn into an anterior position, which is ideal for birth. It also relieves back pain and gives the mother more control over labor.

Water Birth Position

For those considering a water birth, being in a birthing pool provides the opportunity to shift positions quickly. 

The buoyancy of the water supports the body, allowing for easier movement and position changes. This can be particularly soothing and help manage labor pain effectively.

Conclusion

Every birthing experience is unique, and at The Birth Center of New Jersey, we support using positions that best suit your individual needs and preferences. Check out this video to learn more about birthing positions.