Best Practices for Movement and Positions for Labor
Many people imagine labor as a process that happens in bed, but there are actually many ways to stay comfortable and help labor move along. Exploring different birthing positions can make a real difference in both early and active labor. These positions often help mothers feel more at ease, support better movement for the baby, and may even help labor progress smoothly.
Trying new labor positions gives expecting mothers more choices for comfort and confidence during birth. Finding what works best for each situation can help make the entire birth experience more positive and less stressful.
Staying Upright
Gravity helps the birthing process. Standing, sitting, squatting, or kneeling allows the baby’s weight to press down on the cervix, which may encourage it to open. This position also helps the baby move into a better spot for birth, making progress smoother.
Lying flat on the back does not support labor well, since this puts pressure on a large blood vessel and could reduce blood flow to the baby. Instead, tilting slightly to the side by placing a pillow or wedge under one side can help. Upright positions support a safer and more comfortable labor.
Side-Lying Position
Lying on the side helps someone relax during labor, especially if their partner gives a gentle back rub. This position makes it easier to rest, and some people might doze between contractions. If more comfort is needed, using a chair or glider for rocking is another helpful option.
Forward-Leaning Standing
Standing while leaning forward offers comfort and flexibility during labor. Many people rest their arms and upper body against a wall, a sturdy surface, or a high counter with an exercise ball for support. Bending the knees and rocking side to side helps manage pain. During breaks from contractions, gentle walking may also encourage labor to move forward.
Supported Kneeling
In this kneeling pose, a person sits back on their ankles, spreading their knees apart. The belly drops naturally between the legs. Using several pillows in front provides soft support for resting the chest and head, making it more comfortable. This position encourages relaxation and may help relieve tension.
Slow Dancing With Partner
Slow dancing during labor involves the birthing person resting their arms around their partner’s neck while leaning their head on the partner’s chest or shoulder. The partner secures their arms around the person’s lower back, making sure they feel steady and supported.
Together, they gently sway or rock side to side, creating comforting movement. Some couples enjoy soft music while slow dancing to enhance relaxation. This standing position encourages gentle movement, similar to walking, which may help the body during labor.
Sitting on a Therapy Ball
When using a birthing ball, sitting with feet flat on the floor keeps balance and supports the lower back. Gently rocking back and forth or side to side may relax tense muscles and offer extra comfort. Some find it supportive to lean forward onto a bed or sturdy chair, while others have a partner sit behind them for added support. Sitting cross-legged on a soft surface is another way to rest between movements.
Kneeling Forward for Back Relief
Kneeling with the upper body leaning forward provides comfort during labor, especially for those experiencing lower back pain. This position lets a person rest their upper body on a raised hospital bed, a sturdy ball, or even a partner standing beside them. By leaning forward, more space opens in the pelvis, which can help encourage the baby to turn and move into a better position for birth.
This posture may help ease the pressure caused when the baby’s head presses against the lower back. To feel more supported, place pillows or soft items under the knees or chest. Many find this position allows them to relax their back and hips, making contractions feel less intense.
Hands-and-Knees or Ball Support
Leaning forward on an exercise ball or positioning on hands and knees lessens pressure on the lower back and encourages gentle movement. The ball supports the upper body, making it easier to rock back and forth or from side to side, which helps open the pelvis. These positions allow room for the baby to turn into a better spot for birth.
Other Suggestions:
- Sit backward on a sturdy chair or toilet, resting arms on a cushion.
- Use soft padding under knees for extra comfort if on the floor.
The Double Hip Squeeze
The double hip squeeze offers hands-on comfort during contractions. A support person presses the palms of their hands into the thick part of the partner’s buttocks, pushing inward toward the spine. This relieves tension in the hips and may lower pain during labor. Direct pressure and hot or cold packs can also bring relief.
Lying Sideways With Bent Knee
This resting position involves lying on one side with the bottom leg straight and the upper leg bent at the knee. Placing a pillow under the upper knee keeps the leg comfortable. This setup gently opens up the pelvis and may help the baby rotate or move lower. It can be soothing for anyone needing rest, not just those with back pain during labor.
