Читать книгу New Active Birth: A Concise Guide to Natural Childbirth - Janet Balaskas - Страница 24

During the first stage of labour while the cervix is dilating it is usually best to be upright and walking about, or kneeling during the contractions and resting in between them.

During the second stage, standing or kneeling with the upper body leaning well forward during contractions helps to complete the rotation of the head. At the end of the second stage, supported squatting seems to be the most effective and comfortable position during contractions. Squatting, especially supported, gives the greatest increase of pressure in the pelvic cavity with minimal muscular effort and optimal relaxation.

Some women prefer to kneel on all fours for delivery, particularly if the second stage is very quick.

It is wise to make a point of meeting your midwife or doctor, or the midwife in charge of the labour ward, to discuss these ideas early in pregnancy if possible. As you read this book it will be helpful to list the issues that are important to you so that you can go through them together, and then attach a copy to your notes for easy reference by the midwife who attends you in labour. When labour starts it may help to request a midwife who is enthusiastic about natural, active birth and who has had previous experience in the use of upright postures.