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Birthing positions

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At this point in her pregnancy, your spouse should give a thought to the birthing position that she would prefer for her delivery. Each position has its advantages and disadvantages. Your spouse can opt for the one with which she would be most comfortable.

Listed below are child-birth positions that any would-be mother should consider before delivery:

Lithotomy
  • Involves the mother lying on back with her legs elevated using stirrups.
  • Earlier considered the most ideal position for birthing.
  • Allows the doctor to deal with any complications.
Semi-sitting
  • Involves a semi-sitting position with the spine curved and legs drawn up.
  • Makes use of gravity to facilitate the delivery.
  • Makes it difficult sometimes for the baby to descend under the pubic bone.
Side-lying
  • Reduces the need for an epistiomy—a surgical incision made in the perineum to enlarge the vagina and facilitate delivery.
  • Reduces pressure of the uterus on major blood vessels and the perineum.
  • Is more relaxing for the mother.
  • Helps prevent back ache.
  • Is ideal for mothers suffering from high blood pressure.
  • Helps to slow down a rapid birth.
Squatting
  • Naturally helps to open the pelvis
  • Allows the baby to rotate into a position conducive for birth
  • Can become tiring or uncomfortable for the mother if the delivery exceeds the normal time period.
  • May require some practice to get used to.
  • May make it difficult for the doctor to support the perineum.
Hands and knees
  • Reduces strain on the perineum.
  • Allows free movement into other positions such as semi-sitting and side-lying.
  • Helps to slow down a rapid birth.
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Comments
By Kellee,   From Taft
I totally agree with you Elle. I also understand the things you mentioned to be accurate as you describe. I home birth unassisted and the first time labored on my back it was long and hard. My baby came out in 3 pushes after 42 hours of labor. The second time I birthed standing straight up and going into a squat possition as my baby desended and came out in a single push after 19 1/2 hours of labor. My third time I birthed standing up again, 2 pushes and 10 hours. This position is not mentioned in this article, however I found it to be the easiest for me. I am pregnant again and look forward to standing for the birth in April of '09. This time hopfully only 5-6 hours max. lol!

By elle,   From Australia
Your information is completely inaccurate. The lithotomy position slows down labour, squatting and kneeling positions speed labour up and make birthing easier and far less painful. An episiotomy (not "epistiomy") is never required, but lithotomy and semi-sitting positions give the (incorrect) illusion that episiotomy is viable. It can take up to 7 years for your wife to recover fully from an episiotomy (ie, say goodbye to your sex life), whereas a simple birthing tear takes just weeks to a couple of months to heal. Get your facts straight.

 
   
 
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