Advantages Of Squatting Over The Prone Position In Birth
Chiqui Brosas on Nov 25 2007 at 5:13 am | Filed under: Childbirth
When I ask my students how our ancestors use to give birth, I am surprised to find out that not many of them know. Many say laying down.
Our bodies were ment to give birth in the squatting position. How do I know? Simple, look at our anatomy. Here are the many advantages of squatting over the prone position.
1.) Relieves back pain.
2.) Shortens pushing stage.
3.) Reduces forcep deliveries.
4.) Contractions are stronger.
5.) Encourages dilation of cervix.
6.) Reduces episiotomy procedure.
7.) Able to work better with gravity.
8.) Tilts the uterus and pelvis forward.
9.) The birth canal depth becomes shorter.
10.) Stretches the pelvic floor muscles evenly.
11.) The thigh pressure supports the abdominal muscles more.
12.) Increases the pelvic outlet by about 10%. That is 1 to 2 cm more!
So why do hospitals deliver the babies with the mothers laying down, you ask? It’s really more for the convenience of the medical practitioner. I hope more doctors will allow the mothers to give birth squatting, for our sake!
Hi Ms. Chiqui
One of the advantages of squatting stated above is that it Reduces episiotomy procedure.
The stories I gathered from a cousin and a former yaya who both had midwives deliver their babies is that they did not undergo Episiotomy (no Epidural as well naturally). A friend of mine from Canada also gave me a booklet (2006 edition) saying that shaving prep is no longer an SOP. And that there really is no need for episiotomy since the opening will naturally expand; that cutting it is like cutting a paper, once you start a tear, it will only lengthen.
What is your take on these? I am planning on talking with my OB on my next visit regarding the 2 procedures.
Thank you.
Junah
I agree with you. Best to talk with your OB regarding this matter since she will be the one attending to your birth. The best position to be in to avoid a possible tear is really in a squatting position. Although that may not be possible in a hospital setting with some OB’s. It really all depends with your OB. I’ve had some students who got away from having an episiotomy although they are few. I’ve also had some OB’s allow their patients squat while giving birth, a minority.