It’s the day or your baby’s birth and you’re filled with apprehension and excitement and you prepare yourself to deliver your bundle of joy into the world. So, you start to position yourself – but exactly how do you do that? What are the right birthing positions?

1. The Right Birthing Positions for You
It’s the day or your baby’s birth and you’re filled with apprehension and excitement and you
prepare yourself to deliver your bundle of joy into the world. So, you start to position yourself –
but exactly how do you do that? What are the right birthing positions?
Better Than Best
What’s the best birthing position? Actually, many expecting mothers switch and change
positions during childbirth. Your body knows what’s best for you, but there are some things to
keep in mind when anticipating your birthing day.
Our birth canals are shaped like a “J”. Your baby comes down, then up and over your pelvis, but
if you lie flat on your back, your pelvis closes by 30%, which can make the birth longer and more
painful.
Expecting mothers who engage in active labour positions shorten their birth on average by a
third.
Birthing Positions and Health
The Hypnobirthing Hub Home Study Course manual describes how active birth positions can
make labour shorter and more efficient. It reduces sensations to a comfortable level, lessens
your baby’s distress, makes your birthing easier and faster, actively involves your partner, and
reduces birth trauma.

2. The manual includes how you can make the most out of your active birthing through some of
the following:
 During surges, lift your bottom and lean forward to increase comfort.
 When resting, put your feet lower than your bottom to keep your pelvis open (sitting on a chair
or ball is recommended).
 Your pelvis will open wider if your knees are lower than your hips.
 Rocking can increase comfort and lessen pain.
When in Labour
When you’re in an upright position, gravity will help you make your labour better. In between
your surges, you can stand, walk, or lean backwards and forwards to loosen your back and
spine.
You can also do the slow dance, where you rock rhythmically to and through with the help of
your partner or midwife.
Kneeling on all fours takes the pressure of your back and helps the baby rotate to the most
favourable position: occiput anterior.
Sitting on a chair or exercise ball is better than sitting on a bed. Moving your hips backwards
and forwards can also be very helpful. You can also roll your hips in a circle. If you want to sit
down during or in-between your surges, you can sit cross-legged on the floor, on a recliner or
rocking chair for better comfort. You can also sit in the bath with your knees up.
An expecting mother can also squat. This will widen your pelvis and make it easier for your
beautiful baby’s descent.
Lying flat on your back is not advantageous when giving birth, but you can lie on one side, with
your body slightly curled. This will lessen your fatigue and increase comfort. This is a
recommended position for longer labour when the mother needs time to rest and maintain
relaxation.
Your partner or midwife should know about your preferences and condition so that they can help
you acquire the proper birthing positions during your labour. OurHypnobirthing Hub Classes in
Manly and our Hypnobirthing Home Study Coursehelp your birthing day became a relaxing,
safe, and wonderful experience you will remember forever.