For instance, according to the Third National U.S. Survey of Women’s Childbearing Experiences, 90% of American women who give birth, do so, either laying down or in some state of refinement, often with their legs propped up. In Australia only 78% of women give birth laying down, a 12% difference, even still that’s far too much.

Particularly, multiple studies have proven birthing laying down leads to an increase in pain, longer labor, and tearing. Also, it is the most likely of all positions to lead to the use of forceps/vacuum and epitomizes. Moreover, the same is true for the supine (lying face upward), or reclining positions.

Birthing Position:

Squatting

In general, this position is done with some form of back support, to keep the mother steady and give her a place to shift weight to. Many choose the aid of another person, or two. You can also use a birthing bar.

Pros 

•        Good advantage of gravity encouraging faster descent
•        Opens pelvis giving baby room to maneuver
•        Also allows mobility and betters freedom to shift weight and comfort

Cons

•       Can be tiring
•       Requires some form of support.

Standing

For support in this position, many use a birthing bar to hold on to, or another person to lean against.

Pros 

•        Strong advantage of gravity, pushing the baby down
•        Reduces backache
•        Baby is well aligned in the pelvis
•        Helps create a pushing urge

Cons 

•        Harder for birth attendants to monitor baby.
•        May require some form of support.

Generally, outside of laying down and reclined, the hands and knees position is the next frequently used.

In this position, the mother’s arms are propped up to reduce tiredness.

Pros 

•        Can help shift or rotate baby if needed
•        Baby is well aligned in the pelvis
•        Takes pressure off spine thus relieving back pain
•        Can help boost baby’s oxygen level

Cons

•       Harder for Mother to view what’s happening
•       Arms may get tired

Laying Down Or Reclined 

There are two variations of laying down, during labor and delivery, you can lay flat down on your back with or without a stirrup. As well as you can recline with legs down, or with stirrups. While these can be the most complicated of the birthing and laboring positions, there are times when these positions are needed.

Pros

•         Comfortable for the laboring mother 
•         Great resting position
•         Easier for the birth team to monitor baby

Cons 

•       Tearing
•        Works against gravity
•        Very restricted of Mother’s movements
•        Compresses all major vessels which reduce blood flow to the baby
•        Can lead to more painful and less effective contractions

Birth Position And Laboring Tools:

These are some tools made to help you in laboring and delivery.

Birth Stool And Chair

Supports birthing positions: sitting, squatting

It may not look like much, but this tool does the most. It’s best to support is in the sitting position, but it’s also helpful to hold on to when squatting, especially if it has handled.

Birthing Bar

Supports birthing positions: squatting, standing

Also called the squat bar, this tool is most commonly used for mothers to hold while squatting or standing.

Birthing Ball

Supports laboring positions: squatting, sitting

There’s nothing particularly fancy about the birthing ball, in fact, many people just use an exercise ball. If you chose to use an exercise ball it’s vital to assure that it’s the right size. Unlike the previous two tools, it’s not a good idea to birth while using the birthing ball, but it is good for laboring.

Preparation

Now that you know a little bit about the different birth and laboring positions and the tools that support them, there’s still some preparation work to be done.

As for the acquiring of birth and laboring tools, many should be available at most hospitals. Make sure in your birth plan you check your hospital for the tools you desire.

As for the positions themselves, for the past two centuries laying down has been the position for birthing. It’s the primary position most doctors know and trust. And for fear of complications, doctors may advise against uncommon birth positions. As I said earlier, there are pros and cons to every position. Each opens up the pelvis a different way and has a different relation to the pull of gravity. No position is the absolute best. There’s no position that you should solely rely on, be it hands and knees, squatting, or laying down. Always keep in mind when choosing your delivery position, the positioning of the baby.

Along with knowing positions and the tools available, always stand firm, and trust your instincts. The best position is choosing your birth team wisely, and your greatest tool.