HypnoBirthing® UK

[Raquelita]

I'm due to have my second baby in about 4 weeks time, and have been doing lots of research about natural and active birth, and have also read about hypnobirthing. Unfortunately I haven't had time to do much relaxation practice as yet, and it hasn't been possible for me to do a course as I live in Spain and HB doesn't exist here. Still, I already feel a lot better prepared mentally this time round than I did for my first baby, and I intend to practise as much as possible in the time I've got left. Anyway, my query is about positions during labour. Active birth talks about adopting positions that allow gravity to work with you, i.e. being upright during first stage, whereas HB talks about being semi reclined or lateral, which means your uterus will be working against gravity, even though you're in a better position for relaxation I suppose. I'm confused - can anyone help to reassure me that being semi reclined or lateral isn't going to prolong the labour? Txs

[eleanorcopp]

i agree it can seem confusing . the fact is that the uterus works at double speed when mum is upright and mobile , it slows right down if mum is sedentary in the first stage.different positions are benficial as they help the baby descend lower in the pelvis and vagina , and are good for comfort.
in the second stage staying semi recumbent is of use because as michel odent says you need adrenaline to stand up or be kneeling , so lying on youre side or supported on pillows is good as you are less likely to have unwanted hormones and therefore are more able to stay relaxed , this is why water is so good, you can choose youre position and the boyancy , and warmth of the water maintains youre level of relaxation , and therefore all the desired hormones are working brilliantly for you and youre baby , to ensure a smooth and easy birth.
the way i would approach it would be to see how i felt and what i wanted to do , which is possible when being in touch with youre instincts. if however the midwife suggets a position and you have to make a choice this can confuse you , or if you are ordered to into position this can scare you , so be in touch with how you feel which will lead you to a position which works for you in the moment. hope this is useful , eleanor

[Raquelita]

Thanks Eleanor, that was really helpful!

[deb moxon]

Hi,

I would agree, you will know the right position to be in because it will just feel right. When I gave birth to my daughter I was on birthing ball leaning against my partner throughout most of the labour period and then I moved solely because my back was aching and it felt like I'd been in that position too long, moved onto all fours and gave birth within 3 breaths. Something told me tomove I didn't actively think "right she's coming I'll go on all fours".

Trust your natural instincts.

Deb x

[Danielle]

During my first labour, I was induced and had lots of gas and air, as well as using HB techniques I stayed on my back as I found it was the easiest way to deal with the intense surges. During my second I spent most of my time on a birth ball, rocking backwards and forwards during the surges and it was really easy, just before Jacob was born I decided to go to the bathroom and decided not to go back downstairs and had him while I was kneeing on my bed, holding on to the headboard, it just felt comfortable that way...
I did try the ball during the first labour but found it didn't help. I think your body will tell you the right position for you. I had a birth pool for my second and only used t for a few minutes.
You can still be relaxed and upright, however if you try to be relaxed in a position you don't feel is right, say you follow the midwifes directions or if you thought you had to be in a certain position, then I think it would be harder.