This is one version of a squat. Squatting helps open up the pelvic opening so the baby can move down more effectively. Squatting can be used any time in labor. This picture shows a birth ball (otherwise marketed as a gymnastic ball), which offers comfortable support in a squat as well as other positions.

 

This is another version of the squat. If you are uncomfortable squatting without support, you can use a small box, a stack of books, or small stool to help support you while keeping your pelvic opening at a maximum spread to help the baby.

 

If you're tired from a longer labor, you can still get the benefits of the squat by sitting backwards on a chair. Put pillows either on the back of the chair, or you can lean on more pillows on the bed if you are in the hospital and have an adjustable bed to use. Using a chair for this version of a squat can also make the contractions more bearable than a full squat for some women.

 

Another form of leaning: you can lean on a sturdy chair, against the wall, or on your partner with your arms around his neck. Anything that is sturdy will do. Notice that by leaning, your belly falls forward. This will help the contractions to be more effective, as the uterus pushes forward during contraction. By leaning, your uterus doesn't have to work against gravity to accomplish this.

 

Yet another form of leaning that affords you some rest at the same time. This may also help if the baby is posterior and you are experiencing back labor. By choosing this position or on all fours, the weight of the baby falls forward, which can encourage the baby to turn to an anterior position. This will alleviate back pain and ease the passage of the baby. This is another position that can also be used during the actual birth if desired.

 

If you need to get some rest during labor, this is a good position to try besides the traditional side-lying. Spread your knees so your belly has ample room (this also serves to open your pelvis) for you to lie comfortably. Use as many pillows as needed to elevate your head and shoulders to a comfortable height. Horizontal positions can help slow a fast labor. This is also an effective position when dealing with back labor.

 

The knee/chest position is good for slowing down a fast descent or if you have a cord prolapse (where the umbilical cord is preceding the baby out the cervix). Make sure that your head and chest are flat on the surface. It may feel a bit awkward, but it works. This position may also work well for a posterior baby.

 

The hip squeeze is effective for pain relief at times during labor, and can help open the pelvis. The midwife, doula, or partner needs to place their hands on the sides of mom's pelvis...right on the flat parts below the hip bones (iliac crests). Now, push inward. This opens the bottom of the pelvis.

 

Shoulder dystocia happens when the baby's shoulder gets caught behind mom's pubic bone. For shoulder dystocia...these two steps can also be reversed, depending on what position you are starting in when shoulder dystocia is discovered. The results occur while mom is turning from one position to the other. If mom is on all fours when shoulder dystocia is discovered, have her flip to her back.

 

Step 2... By the time mom gets on her back, baby should be loosened from behind the pubic bone. Or, if you started on your back or in a semi-sit for the birth, flip to an all fours position. The changing of positions seems to be enough to jostle the baby from behind the pubic bone. I have been told this movement is called the Gaskin Maneuver, named after Ina May Gaskin, author of "Spiritual Midwifery."

 

Doing a half squat, half kneel can be easier and more comfortable for some women than a full squat. You can change legs each contraction if desired, and even rock back and forth if it helps. This position helps with backache for some women, and can help baby get positioned properly on the cervix to speed dilation.