Digital Book Discontinued Preparing for Birth v2.4 | Page 50

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Positions for Labor

Tailor sitting
Leaning back with support
Leaning into ball
Forward leaning with counterpressure
If she is supported and encouraged to follow her instincts , a laboring woman will often discover the movements and positions that make her most comfortable without a lot of suggestions from those around her . If she is moving or positioning herself in a way that feels best to her and labor is progressing , she should simply be encouraged to continue to follow those instincts . However , a suggestion for change may be helpful if she is no longer coping as well as she was or if labor has slowed or stalled .
Since there is no way to know with certainty what will work best when the time comes , consider making a list of items to have available for labor that may help with various movements and positions . These may include a birth ball , peanut ball , shawl or rebozo , stool , chair or toilet , yoga or exercise mat , comfortable shoes or slippers , and comfortable clothing that allows full range of motion without being restrictive .
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Comfort Measures