What’s your “position” on delivery?
By Valerie Jacques, RN, NHPM
Today In the US, most births occur with Mom in the traditional supine position. Not so long ago, however, (1800’s) most mothers used a squatting or sitting (even kneeling) posture to facilitate the birthing process.
In the 1900’s, with increasing regularity, the supine position was paired with ideas such as the delivery table, stirrups, and the increased use of forceps. Along with increased use of anesthesia, these ideas formed the basis for the late labor and delivery standard, which is still in use today.
There is evidence suggesting that delivering your child in the supine position (especially when using stirrups) decreases circulation and increases the chances of perineal tearing. On the other hand, women who choose a naturally comfortable labor/delivery position usually gain advantages. The squatting position, for example, provides a larger pelvic outlet opening (obvious advantage) than the supine position.
There has been, and still is, much discussion as to what the “proper” position should be in the late laboring phases. What’s the bottom line…it’s what is the most comfortable and safe position for Mom and baby. Kneeling, squatting, sitting (birthing chair), warm birth tub, lying down (sideways most preferred), even hands and knees. Combinations of these positions during labor and delivery can help ease stress on Mom and baby, and provide for a more enjoyable birthing experience.
Valerie Jacques is a NH Professional Midwife, an RN, and the owner/operator of Coastal Family Birth Retreat in Stratham, NH. She can be reached at 603-580-2327, or at www.coastalfamilybirthretreat.com.
By Valerie Jacques, RN, NHPM
Today In the US, most births occur with Mom in the traditional supine position. Not so long ago, however, (1800’s) most mothers used a squatting or sitting (even kneeling) posture to facilitate the birthing process.
In the 1900’s, with increasing regularity, the supine position was paired with ideas such as the delivery table, stirrups, and the increased use of forceps. Along with increased use of anesthesia, these ideas formed the basis for the late labor and delivery standard, which is still in use today.
There is evidence suggesting that delivering your child in the supine position (especially when using stirrups) decreases circulation and increases the chances of perineal tearing. On the other hand, women who choose a naturally comfortable labor/delivery position usually gain advantages. The squatting position, for example, provides a larger pelvic outlet opening (obvious advantage) than the supine position.
There has been, and still is, much discussion as to what the “proper” position should be in the late laboring phases. What’s the bottom line…it’s what is the most comfortable and safe position for Mom and baby. Kneeling, squatting, sitting (birthing chair), warm birth tub, lying down (sideways most preferred), even hands and knees. Combinations of these positions during labor and delivery can help ease stress on Mom and baby, and provide for a more enjoyable birthing experience.
Valerie Jacques is a NH Professional Midwife, an RN, and the owner/operator of Coastal Family Birth Retreat in Stratham, NH. She can be reached at 603-580-2327, or at www.coastalfamilybirthretreat.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment