Movement for Labour & Birth

Following your instincts is so important when it comes to birthing in a position that feels right for you. Often, our bodies will “tell” us when we need to change positions to help baby descend through the birth canal; being able to listen and move to accommodate this is so important.

I recommend my clients look into ideas for birthing positions as part of their labour & birth preparations. It may look bonkers right now, but in the moment it may be exactly what you need! These videos show some fantastic options you may not have considered.

You can use all sorts of tools to help you move in a way that feels right and comfortable during labour, including rebozos and other fabrics to pull against, door frames, birth balls, and birthing stools - and many women swear by straddling a toilet!

Though we live in a culture where birthing on your back is seen as the norm, and it’s all we usually see in media, it’s actually one of the least comfortable and most difficult positions to birth in. When you’re considering other pain management options, try to keep in mind their effect on your movement as one of the potential pros or cons. One clear example is an epidural; some techniques can allow you to keep movement, so if it’s something you’re considering bear than in mind, as well as weighing up the risks and benefits.