There are many benefits to natural birth. One of the benefits of drug free birth is freedom of movement. When drugs are given, many hospitals restrict the mother to the traditional hospital position of lying on your back, or the newer semi sitting position for pushing, throughout labor and birth. However, this is often not the best position for birth.
This position is the most convenient for the doctor attending the birth and nurses doing exams, but is not the best for mom. When women are free to get into the most comfortable position during labor, they rarely lie down on their backs. Proponents of natural birth say that when women are free to move and change positions, they will naturally get into the best position to help the baby be born and find some relief from the pain.
There are a few positions that are thought to be helpful in natural birth. These are generally positions that allow gravity to work with the birthing process. For many women, these include kneeling, squatting, leaning forward or in a standing positions. Try these positions if you are planning a natural birth.
Proponents of natural birth say that you will naturally move into the right position as your baby moves down the birth canal. This movement aids the baby’s passage through the birth canal. For example, the forward leaning position is believed to help align the pelvis to make it easier for the baby to move through and into the birth canal. Semi sitting or lying positions can actually inhibit the baby’s movement, causing a longer birth and more pain.
If you are planning a natural birth, try out a variety of positions during your pregnancy. These are taught in Bradley childbirth classes and other classes with a focus on natural birth. Write your birth plan to include freedom of movement and go with your natural instincts when the time comes.
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