The Labor Dance

What is the labor dance?

The labor dance is an upright position that encourages movement in the pelvis during labor.

Why does the labor dance work?

Upright positions use gravity to increase the work done by contractions, while decreasing the pain most women feel. Doing the labor dance moves the pelvis, which encourages the baby to move deeper into the pelvis.

The labor dance also allows the coach to have access to the mother's back for rubbing or pressure. With music to encourage a gentle rhythm, the labor dance may be a very relaxing position.

How do I do it?

The mother and coach face each other. The mother puts her arms around the coach's shoulders and neck, resting her head on the coach's chest or shoulder depending on height. The coach's arms will go around the mother's abdomen, clasping hands at her back.

Once in position, the mother and coach sway together as if they are slow dancing.

Some sample labor dance techniques:

Play the mother's favorite music and labor dance to the beat. Vary the speed of the music from very slow to moderate.

While labor dancing, the coach can use clenched fists to provide a pressure massage on the mother's lower back.

Encourage deeper emotional relaxation by deep breathing with the mother while dancing, or whisper "sweet nothings" into her ear.

What would you like next?

Read some Sample Birth Plans and get information to help put your birth plan together.

Learn how exercise in pregnancy can shorten your labor.

Learn ways to handle Childbirth Challenges.

Discover the secrets of being emotionally prepared for labor.

Find easy meal ideas.