Truth Bomb: Why Many Women Give Birth on Their Backs—and Why You Don’t Have To
When it comes to birth, most women wouldn’t naturally choose to lie on their backs, yet approximately 68% still end up in this position during labor.
Why?
Many feel like they don’t have a choice.
Preparing for Birth: Tuning into Your Intuition
Preparation is everything. Taking a quality childbirth class, such as a HypnoBirthing series, can help you tune into your body’s wisdom and intuition, empowering you to trust the process. You know your body best, including how your baby moves through your pelvis and which positions feel most natural and effective for you.
Pro Tip: Communicate Your Preferences Early
Before labor day arrives, have an open conversation with your care provider about your preferences for pushing or breathing your baby down. Make sure you leave that conversation feeling heard and respected. And if not, it may be time to seek out a provider who fully supports your wishes. Remember, this is your journey, and you deserve a provider who honors your preferences.
The Drawbacks of Birthing on Your Back
Did you know that lying on your back during birth can lead to several less-than-ideal consequences? Some of these include:
- Fetal heart rate abnormalities
- Fewer spontaneous vaginal deliveries
- Reduced blood flow to the uterus, potentially leading to fetal hypoxia
- Less effective and more painful surges
- A smaller pelvic outlet
- Maternal exhaustion from prolonged labor
These potential risks are real, and understanding them can help you make choices that prioritize both your comfort and the safety of your baby.
Benefits of Upright Birthing Positions
Choosing an upright position during labor and delivery can offer several incredible benefits:
- Gravity works with you – It helps your baby move down naturally.
- Improved blood flow – By staying off your back, you avoid compressing the aorta, the body’s largest blood vessel, which enhances blood flow.
- More efficient contractions – Upright positions can lead to stronger, more effective uterine surges.
- A wider pelvic outlet – This gives your baby more room to move through the birth canal.
Trust Your Body and Birth Your Way
It’s essential to remember that you don’t need to birth on your back unless that genuinely feel right for you. Trust your body, trust the process, and remember: this is your birth.
At The Orchid Nest, we’re here to support you on your unique path to parenthood, helping you make empowered choices every step of the way. If you’re ready to dive deeper, consider joining our HypnoBirthing series or one of our customized childbirth education classes. Together, we can ensure that you approach labor feeling confident, prepared, and in tune with your body’s needs.
Let’s DO-ula this
