Which Feeding Positions Are The Best?

So, the question is:  which birth positions are the best? 

Many scientists and gynecologists have made an enormous number of claims against the most common birth position in the United States today.

It consists of the expectant mother lying on her back. Doctors often place the woman’s legs in stirrups to avoid movement.

There are two reasons to use the lithomi position. 

First of all, it allows you to control your baby’s heart rate at all times. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) claims that this intervention is unnecessary in many cases.

The second reason why this position is often used is – strange as it may sound – the comfort of the medical staff. 

Because it is difficult to care for a woman who moves around and changes position, doctors often implement this birth position.

In other words, the lithomy position is based on the comfort of the medical staff, and not the need of the patient.

Risks of giving birth lying on your back

It is also important to highlight any risks of being in this position when giving birth:

• Possible danger to the baby  as the position causes compression on the blood vessels that administer oxygenated blood to the little one.
• Increased pain  for the expectant mother.
• The position does not make it possible to take advantage of the possible help from gravity  during childbirth.
• Immobility of the expectant mother,  which delays dilation, and, of course, childbirth.
• Potential risk of  serious damage to the groin. 
• The position involves  invasion medication after childbirth,  which is not always necessary.

The best feeding positions

While you have the above information in mind, we will provide you with a detailed list of the best feeding positions.

The choice will depend on the preferences of the specific staff, as well as the needs of the expectant mother.

1. With the upper body upright

This position may involve standing up or standing on your knees. The first benefit is that the force of gravity helps with the sinking of the baby. 

Another benefit is, of the fetus and pelvis are on a proper line. 

Furthermore, the position does not put pressure on the responsible blood vessels. As a result, there is no risk of the mother or baby suffering from high blood pressure in the arteries.

Therefore, the contractions will be more intense and effective, and at the same time less painful.

The disadvantage of this position is the reduced ability to control the presses. Therefore, if the squeezing of the child happens too fast, there is a possibility of cracking. 

This position also makes it more difficult for others to help in the birth process.

2. Seated

The expectant mother can also sit on a bed, on the floor, a ball or backwards on a chair. This position has similar benefits as the upright position, according to gravity and the straight line between the pelvis and fetus. 

When the baby’s head appears, however, the mother must change position so that the baby’s exit becomes possible.

However,  this position is good as it makes it possible to monitor, and to provide a possible epidural. Furthermore, the woman can rest.

Lying on the side

If you lie on your side,  it is possible to relax in the lower back, and get adequate blood circulation in the legs. 

This position does not put pressure on the mother’s blood vessels, and it is especially beneficial in case of too high or too low blood pressure.

Again, the contractions will be longer while also more effective. 

This is considered to be one of the most effective positions as it allows the mother to rest. It also significantly reduces the risk of damage to the groin.

Kneeling position

Generally, the woman kneels by a bed. She has to put all the weight on her heels. 

At the same time, she should separate her knees  as much as possible while keeping her toes together. This position promotes dilation.

While this position makes the birth process a bit longer, gravity presents no problems.

Furthermore,  this kneeling position allows for maximum oxygenation, and takes the burden away from the expectant mother’s back. 

This position may be too exhausting at a long birth, but the mother may rest her upper body on a ball from time to time. The kneeling position also allows her to receive a comfortable massage on her back.

Finally, it is necessary to point out that there is no ideal position.

What is important is – in any case – that the woman has a free opportunity to move around and choose the position that her body demands at the given moment. 

However, this can be difficult because the medical staff makes it almost impossible.

Therefore,  it is best to find a middle ground where the expectant mother feels free and still has the opportunity to get help. 

Many hospitals make reservations to make it easier for women to switch between delivery positions.