The Very Best Pushing Positions For Unmedicated Birth
I’ve been a birth doula and childbirth educator for awhile now- and I’ve seen women give birth in lots of different positions.
(the worst being on their backs with their feet up in stirrups, scroll to the bottom of this post to see why)
There is a pattern of which positions women instinctively get into when birthing unmedicated, and these positions also typically result in shorter pushing time, less tearing, and overall less assistance needed.
Want to know the four best positions to birth your baby in? Here they are!
#1- Hands and Knees
This is a common instinctual position that allows for productive rest between contractions!
#2- Side Lying
This one is great if you are feeling exhausted or already in bed. Try having someone support your upper leg, or use a peanut ball!
#3- Supported Squat
A squat is a very productive position! For support you can try one person each side to support you. You can alternatively tug on a rebozo or long sheet!
#4- Side Lunge
When you have one leg up your body may be able to bring the baby down easier! You can do this on the ground or with one leg on a chair. After a few contractions, switch sides.
BONUS TIP
This is important! When you are feeling the strong urge to push that means your baby is at the very bottom of your pelvis, and there is one easy trick you can do in all of these positions to create more space!
Place your knees slightly inwards and your ankles outwards to create more room at the bottom of your pelvis!
With these positions, you will have much better success with your pushing efforts! If one doesn’t seem to be feeling right for you that’s okay, just switch to another one!
Want to know why it’s important to stay out of the popular position in US hospitals?
(you know, laying semi reclined on your back with your feet up in stirrups?!)
Well, let me name a few reasons….
First, when you are on your back gravity is not assisting you in bringing your baby down and out.
Second, being upright allows your uterus to contract more strongly and effectively (those contractions are what brings your baby out so they are a very good thing!).
Third, Your pelvis actually becomes smaller when you are laying on your back (because your coccyx bone is unable to move) and the pelvic opening becomes smaller when your feet are up in stirrups (because of the way it rotates when your legs are in this position).
Last, when you are on your back you are on your aorta, and that could compromise blood flow or oxygen to your baby. This can result in fetal distress and leads to assisted delivery (vacuum/forceps) or an emergency cesarean.
Yet 60% of women are giving birth this way. (mind blown!!)
So don’t be alarmed if your provider asks you to get in this position. It’s routine for them and normalized mainly because your practitioner can sit on their stool and have a clear view of everything going on.
(This trend started in the 1600’s with King Louis XIV and Dr. Francious Mauriceau…. but that’s a story for another day!)
Anyways… you can choose what position you push in! Always! If you’re asked to switch positions and you don’t want to, just give a clear NO. If anyone tries to move you when you don’t want to be moved clearly ask them to take their hands off of you.
It’s your birth, it’s your baby, it’s your choice what position you want to be in!
Have this information on hand and do what feels right for you in the moment.
If you want to know all about the most effective ways to birth unmedicated, you are in the right place! You can check out my free download: The Comfortable Childbirth Cheatsheet to learn all about non medical comfort measures during labor, and check out my comprehensive birth preparation program, Birth Academy to learn everything else you need to know!