What’s the best position to give birth in?

Q) What’s the best position to give birth in? A) The one that feels right for you.

Forget those images in the media where women always give birth on their backs – Phoebe in Friends I’m especially thinking of you! When women are left to follow their instincts in labour they usually find their way into an upright, forwards and open position (often abbreviated to UFO). This could be kneeling, squatting, standing leaning over a chair, on all fours… whatever works for you!

Upright, forwards and open positions have lots of benefits including…

1) gravity is on your side helping baby descend
2) the space in your pelvis increase by 30% making it easier for baby to pass through
3) the weight of baby’s head is more evenly distributed around your vagina as they come out, reducing tearing
4) you encourage baby into a more typical position for birth, making a straightforward birth more likely.

That all said, if your body tells you to rest / lie down then do – side lying is also a good position for labour.

If possible, avoid being on your back (unless needed for a medical reason… or you really want to). It makes things much harder (as a comparison can you imagine trying to do a poo on your back? 😬).