Birthing professionals divide labour into three stages. The first is the longest and runs from labour’s onset until the cervix is ten centimetres dilated. The second stage runs from the time your cervix is completely dilated to the birth of your baby. The third stage is comparatively brief and involves delivering the placenta after the baby has been born. Most experts recommend taking a walk or engaging in another relaxing and distracting activity during the bulk of the first stage. Even once the birthing process has begun in earnest it is not necessary, or even good, to lie on your back in the classical birthing position. It cuts off blood circulation and increases the chance that you’ll need an episiotomy. Experts recommend working in tandem with your birthing attendant; standing, walking, squatting or kneeling on hands and knees during the various stages of delivery. Midwives and perinatal-fitness experts often recommend coordinated pushing. This is a combination of breath techniques to relax or mobilise specific muscle groups at critical times during labour. Judicious use of these various techniques, along with the assistance of a good birthing attendant, midwives say, can relieve stress, speed up labor and reduce the risk of tearing.
Better Health
“Pregnancy- Stages Of Labour”
“Labour is divided into three stages – the dilation of the cervix, the delivery of the baby, and the delivery of the placenta. For first-time mothers, labour takes around 12 to 24 hours. Women who have undergone childbirth before can expect about seven hours of labour. ” …read the full article
iVillage
“Birthing Positions”
“Today women can learn how to use their bodies to minimize discomfort and speed the progress of labor. Trying a variety of positions during labor and birth can help you to find what works best for you. Here is what you need to know about the various labor and birth positions.” …read the full article
Babycentre Australia
“The Stages Of Childbirth”
“Midwives and doctors say you are in active labour when your cervix has dilated, or opened, to three to four centimetres. Your contractions will be getting stronger and more frequent. They’re also getting longer. Eventually they may be coming as frequently as every three to four minutes and lasting 60 to 90 seconds – and feel very tense indeed.” …read the full article
Pregnancy Today
“Powerful Pushing: New Method Promises Safer, More Efficient Delivery”
“You can train your body to work efficiently with your contractions if you coordinate your breathing and abdominal muscles while relaxing the pelvic floor muscles. The result, called coordinated pushing, is a safe and practical alternative to traditional pushing methods that are often less efficient.” …read the full article
About.com
“Positions for Labor and Birth”
“The positions that you choose for labor and birth are important. They will help you be more comfortable during the labor process. Some positions will also help speed the process of labor. Many of these positions can be done with or without the help of your partner, husband, doula or nurse. Practicing them prior to labor will also make them seem familiar and more comfortable and natural.” …read the full article
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