Pushing the Limit
Many movies depict birth as a horribly painful scene where the birthing woman is on her back with her feet in the air, screaming her baby out. Bright lights, people shouting for her to push, and general chaos usually ensues. How we view birth as a culture has been largely shaped by this media. Women go to the hospital, placing their trust completely in their providers to do what is best for them and their babies. While I’d like to hope that all providers DO have what’s best for their birth clients, unfortunately, that is not always the case.
A scenario that often plays out in birth is women being told they “have to” give birth on their back with feet in stirrups for “the safety of baby” or “to protect the perineum.” However, evidence shows that being forced or directed to give birth on your back can have adverse effects, including increased risk of Cesarean, increased risk of vacuum delivery, and prolonged labor. In contrast, evidence shows that giving birth in upright positions has many benefits, including a lower risk of abnormal fetal heart tones, shortening of the second stage of labor, and reduced pain.
While there might be rare instances that giving birth on your back is the best position for you or your baby, a great rule of thumb is to move instinctually during labor and birth. Listen to what your body is telling you. Create a birth team that is knowledgeable in different positions to use for different stages of your birth. Talk to your provider, let them know your expectations, and hear their protocols. Don’t be afraid to switch providers if what they say does not align with your birth philosophy or evidence-based practices.
When it comes down to it, the only time you should be giving birth on your back is if you want to. Don’t let a provider use scare tactics or threats to get you to comply with their wishes. You have the legal and ethical right to give birth in whatever position feels the most comfortable to you. Listen to your body, know your rights, and surround yourself with people who will advocate for you in your most vulnerable time. You’ve got this!
Until Next time,
Abby