Labor Positions (with yoga ball)
Ah, labor is starting…what now?
When contractions first start, whether you are heading to the hospital, a birth center or calling your midwife to your home, you will most likely be laboring at your house for a while. The contractions will increase in intensity and frequency as you progress so it is best to save your energy for the later stages of labor.
When infrequent, if it is time for bed, do you BEST to sleep through them or at least in between them; you will want to rest while you can. If it is day time, attempting (somewhat) normal activity is good, walk around, hang out on the yoga ball, take a bath and eat of course. If birthing at a hospital, some do not allow food once you have been admitted into labor and delivery…eat while you can.
Below are a few positions on the yoga ball that can encourage progression in labor and are often more comfortable during contractions as they become more persistent.
Swaying side to side on the yoga ball can be comforting during contractions, making a figure 8 with your hips or simply letting your body tell you how to move.
Laying on your side with the a peanut ball or regular yoga ball is helpful during those late night labor hours. While allowing you to rest, this position keeps your pelvis open.
Laying over the yoga ball in a hands and knees position is an easy way to keep your hips open while in a comfortable laboring position. This opens your body up to labor supports like back rubs, hip squeezes and any pressure you may want applied.
If birthing at home or a birth center these options are often readily avaliable to you. If birthing at a hospital make sure to look into the procedures to see if these are options during your labor. Laying on your back during contractions can be significantly more uncomfortable, make sure you look into all of your options.
