Birthing By Heart

The position of your baby as you go into labour, can affect several things with your birth. For example, if you’re birthing in hospital, the simple position of your child, may determine whether or not you end up with a caesarian section. At the least, it can affect the intensity and duration of  your labour. With some positions making it

So on that note, it’s a good idea to focus on optimal fetal positioning.

A good pictorial article about your baby’s postition can be found here 

As your pregnancy approaches term, the absolute best way to have your baby facing (in a perfect world) is head down, facing your back, with his spine to one side. It’s called the Ociput Anterior position. When your baby lies in this position, his neck is easily flexed, his chin is tucked neatly onto his chest, and thus presenting the smallest part of his head birth first.

Ociput Posterior position, is here the baby presents head down, facing your front … A baby in this position can mean a longer and more painful labour for the mother, as the baby’s neck is not as easily flexed, and the presenting part of the head, is much larger to birth first. Babies lying in Ociput Posterior position may not engage (descend into the pelvis) as early, and are more likely to be classed as “late”.

Of course there are many other ways your baby can present as you go into labour, including breech (feet, knees, or bum facing down) But as your pregnancy progresses, prevention, and positioning your baby well are much better than facing a birth with a stubbornly positioned bub!

So, what can you do to focus on good foetal positioning?

1. Crawl. Crawl. Crawl.
2. Sit in positions that keep your pelvis tilted forward, i.e. backwards on a dining room chair, kneeling on the floor over a cushion or fitball, NOT sprawling backwards on the lounge chair!
3. Sleep on your side, preferably your left side!
4. Gentle rocking your hips when you’re standing
5. Avoid crossing your legs!

Some great information on foetal positioning can be found at these links:

http://www.spinningbabies.org

http://www.homebirth.org.uk/ofp.htm

Both sites explain the various positions your little one may present in, and offer gentle and practical ways you can assist positioning.

Other techniques, that will require the assistance of a professional, include

1. Chiropractic adjustments, throughout pregnancy, and using the Webster Technique in the last few weeks if your baby is presenting in a suboptimal position
2. Shiatsu Massage
3. Accupuncture
4. Reflexology and Accupressure

Prevention is much more pleasant than having your baby manually turned! And an easier vaginal birth includes less stiches and recovery time than a caesarian.