Article: Giving Birth In Kneeling Postition - Less Pain

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MSNBC.COM SPECIAL REPORT
Updated: 6:33 p.m. ET March 7, 2006

First-time pregnant women who give birth in a kneeling position experience less pain than those who deliver in a seated position, researchers in Sweden report. However, the duration of the active phase of labor (the time spent pushing) is similar with the two approaches, according to the study, published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Several studies have already reported the advantages of an upright delivery position compared to one lying down, such as less pain and more efficient contractions. However, this is the first time researchers compared the two most common upright delivery positions — kneeling and sitting.

Lead by I. Ragnar, from the University of Malardalen in Vasteras, the team followed 271 healthy first-time mothers, whom they randomly divided into two groups: one that prepared for labor in a kneeling position, the other for a seated position. After delivery the women filled out a questionnaire describing their experiences. The results revealed no major differences between the two groups in the duration of labor. The pushing phase lasted 48.5 minutes for women who kneeled and 41.0 minutes for women who sat.

On the other hand, the two groups reported significantly different labor experiences. Women in a seated position reported a higher level of pain, less comfort giving birth and “more frequent feelings of vulnerability and exposure” than women in the kneeling position, the authors write. The researchers also found no difference in the frequency of sphincter ruptures between the two groups. However, women in the kneeling position reported significantly less pain after delivery than those in the sitting position.

“This might be explained by the kneeling position being more flexible when it comes to moving the lower back, diverting some of the pressure toward the lower spine,” the authors suggest. In addition, the researchers detected no adverse effects on the fetus for either delivery position.

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Id second Jillian, I also found it best especially with a spine to spine delivery definately easier and comfortable

Lindie

I started in a kneeling position and just hated it. I ended up sitting with my elbows resting on Dh. found this great, and pushed her out in 8 minutes. Guess it depends on teh person! xo

Do you sit/ kneel on the floor? or the bed?

Where ever you feel comfy Nickel. If you want to get on the floor go for it if you'd prefer the bed (softer on the knees) then hop on.
Its your birth so just do what feels right ;)
The delivery suites at my hospital have space age beds that lift up at both ends and pull apart to provide support for differant postures. As soon as you get in or on your tour ask to be shown everything that the bed does and get in with your support people and have a go at doing it yourself.
You might also have the option of excercise balls and bean bags t5o support you.
If you're doing classes they will probably shgow you positions and get you to practise them - if not google labour positions and try a few out so that when the time comes you have some ideas.
Your midwife will probably help you with positions too - ask your support person/s to remind you to try new positions if things are slowing down and to ask the midwife on your behalf if your having trouble with expressing yourself.

I had Angus kneeling on the bed, propped up on pillows. Much easier than on my back and losts more comfortable. I'll definately be up on my knees this time around too.

Yep I had #1 and #4 kneeling on the bed ( #2 fell out while they were turning m eover and #3 was a csec), and it just felt the most natural postion for me!

so the baby doesn't just sort of fall out onto the floor?
and your doctors/midwives had no trouble having a look when they needed to or whatever?

Last time was so painful and quick (about 2 hours) I just lay there passively, and although I may have no say whatsoever in what this birth too, I'd like to at least plan and hope that I might! Plus gravity just makes sense!! ;)