Choosing a Labor Position

With all the options available for labor positions, how do you decide what position to use in labor? There are three main factors that you should consider.

A good labor position is one in which the mother is comfortable. What she finds comfortable will change throughout the labor as the baby moves and changes positions. It may also change as labor progresses and she finds herself more fatigued.

Generally, any position that is comfortable for mom is useful for labor as long as The mom can relax in that position. Different positions put pressure on different parts of the body, so changing positions as the muscles get tired can help the mother to relax during contractions. If she feels pressure on her back, she may be more able to relax in a position that gives someone access to her back for massage.

The mother should be encouraged to remain in positions that are comfortable and she can relax in unless there is a reason a different position should be considered. This is a grey area however, becasue some attendants will feel that a different position should be considered for easier use of an electronic fetal monitor, while other attendants may feel that the only reason to consider a different position is if the health of the mother or baby is at risk if the position is not changed.

Some general reasons that a change of position may want to be considered, but should not be required, might be:

• Mother has not changed position in over an hour, and no longer seems to be handling contractions well.

• Mother reports pressure or pain which may be relieved by changing positions.

• Mother is having gentle urges to push at the peak of the contraction, changing position may take the urge away or allow the baby to slip far enough into the birth canal to bring on strong pushing urges.

You May Also Be Interested In: Learn what normal labor is like. Practice your new labor skills with virtual labor. The Natural Childbirth Directory can help you find more information about birth and locate childbirth professionals. The Coach's Notebook helps you learn tools and techniques to manage labor. The Birth Planning section can help you put the finishing touches on your plans for labor.

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