The Birth & Beyond Podcast

Welcome to Birth & Beyond the podcast that covers all things related to pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Join me as we explore topics such as pregnancy nutrition and exercise, birth preparation techniques, how to prepare for an active labour, how to prepare for a natural birth, how to establish breastfeeding, what you can do to navigate the postnatal period as well as post-baby weight loss. With expert insights, personal stories, and practical tips, I hope to empower and educate you on your journey so that you have a positive and informed experience from pregnancy through to postpartum. Tune in to Birth & Beyond and let's get you prepared for labor, birth and the postpartum period. 

Why you shouldn't give birth lying on your back

Reduced pelvic opening: When you lie on your back to give birth the weight of your baby presses against your pelvic area, potentially narrowing your pelvic outlet. This can make it more difficult for your baby to descend through the birth canal.

Increased pain and discomfort: Lying flat on your back can compress blood vessels, including the vena cava, which is the main vein returning blood to the heart. This compression can reduce blood flow to your uterus and may cause dizziness, shortness of breath, and decreased oxygen supply to your baby. It can also intensify the pain experienced during contractions.

Hindered contractions: Lying on your back can interfere with the natural progression of labour by inhibiting the natural force of gravity. Upright or forward-leaning positions may help your baby's head to engage in the pelvis more effectively, allowing contractions to work more efficiently.

Increased risk of interventions: In some cases, lying on your back can lead to a longer labour or difficulties in pushing, potentially increasing the need for medical interventions like forceps or vacuum extraction. These interventions carry their own set of risks and may increase the likelihood of episiotomies or caesarean sections.

Limited mobility: Lying flat on your back restricts your movement and limits your ability to change positions freely during labour. Being able to move and adopt various positions can help relieve pain, promote comfort, and facilitate the progress of labour.

It's important to note that the most appropriate birthing position can vary for each individual and depends on various factors, such as the stage of labour, personal preference, and any existing medical conditions. It's always recommended to consult with healthcare professionals and discuss the available birthing positions to make an informed decision based on your specific circumstances.