How to Use Body Positioning for Easier Birth

As the baby descends down through the pelvis, it gradually moves from the wider bones at the top of the pelvis, through the narrowest middle, then finally through the pelvic outlet. This descent is described by stations. The very middle point is zero. The stations above the middle point are MINUS and those below are PLUS. The important point is not what number you are at, but whether it is PLUS or MINUS. You will have to ask for this information since the focus is usually only on the number of centimeters you are dilated.

If you are at a MINUS station, your focus is to keep the upper pelvis area open and free. The best position is upright and walking or standing. Keep your shoulders, hips and knees in line with each other. This keeps the upper pelvis open and has the added benefit of gravity adding to the effectiveness of the contractions. The goal is move the baby down though the pelvis as quickly as possible. If it is absolutely necessary to lie down, keep the legs and knees in line with the hips (don't bend at the knees.)

When you reach zero or move into the PLUS stations, shift your focus to your tail bone. You want your knees to be bent, with your butt extended and free, as if the baby were going to be born through your tail bone. This is an excellent time to use a birthing stool for squatting, or to have your partner help you squat during a contraction. You can sit on the end of the bed and rest between contractions, then slide off and squat down for the duration of the contraction. If you need to lie down on your side, keep your knees bent up and your tail bone out and free.

The best position for pushing is squatting. This has the added advantage of gravity, and full open extension of the lower pelvis bones. A birthing stool is a marvelous help, and most hospitals now have a means of support for this at the end of the bed. Remember, you only have to be in the squatting position during the contraction.