Labor Positions

Various positions to help Mom have a successful labor

Rocking

During labor, this is a great position to comfort Mom and ease the pain.

Mom rocks slowly back and forth while sitting on a chair or medicine ball.

Swaying

This is a great position to help labor progress.

Mom needs to lean against her partner and sway back and forth as if she were slow dancing.

Leaning Forward

Leaning forward against the back of a chair is comforting, especially for women experiencing back pain.

Lunging

By placing one foot on a chair and leaning forward Mom can reduce pain during labor.

One Leg Up

By placing one foot on a stool Mom is relieving some of the pressure during contractions. Also, leaning forward while in this position helps.

Kneeling

Kneeling against a medicine ball will help reduce pain during labor.

Squatting

Squatting during the later stages of labor helps the baby move through the birth canal.

Semisitting

Semisitting is a comfortable position, especially during the later stages of labor.

Hands and Knees

This position helps reduce back pressure. It is also a great position for moving the baby into the appropriate head-down position for birth.

Lying Down on your Side

This position helps reduce back pain during labor. It’s also a great position to help support the baby.

References

MayoClinic.com. (2010, April 8). Slideshow: labor, and delivery, postpartum care. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/labor/PR00141