Labor Positions:

Standing Up
A fully upright position makes the most use of gravity to help labor progress quicker.  Feel free to walk around, dance and do what makes you feel most comfortable and relaxed.

Asymmetrical Sitting  
Sitting with one leg slightly extended and the other bent can help your uterus drop forward and helps your contracting muscles get more blood flow.  Some doctors recommend asymmetrical positions for labor.

Kneeling Forward
Kneeling forward on a pillow or other object can take pressure off your spine.

The Squat
Squatting is recommended once the contractions get stronger and you are past the initial stages.  Supporting yourself with pillows will make you more comfortable and give better stability.  The squatting position can be most efficient in making the labor process shorter.  You may want to lean against a wall, couch or pillows to provide stability and the maximum comfort.

All Fours
Standing on your hands and knees is another great method for taking pressure off the back.  Rocking back and forth while in the position may provide further benefit.

Lying Down
If you need to lie down, remember to lie on the left side.  This will assure that you and the baby are getting a full blood supply. 

Rocking
Rocking and shifting your weight from side to side in any position will help move your baby through the birth canal.  The repetitive rhythm of the movement can be very soothing and is a great method for concentration and meditative awareness.

You may want to try different positions before you go into labor.  Practicing certain poses, such as squatting can help you get into comfortable positions quicker once labor actually starts.  Remember that labor is a very natural process for a woman.  You have the enormous privilege of bringing a new life into the world – enjoy the process.  We wish all women reading this article a healthy and quick delivery!

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