Active labour positions

Active labour positions

Choosing the right position during labour can help you feel more in control, ease pain and aid in opening your pelvis for a smoother birth.

• Swaying or walking and holding a support person during the contractions.
• Kneeling, using a chair or birthing ball (yoga or 'fit' ball) for support.
• Sitting or kneeling in a bath.
• Leaning forward over the bed.
• Kneeling on hands and knees to help reduce back pain.
• Squatting, using a birthing stool or ball.
• Standing and moving in the shower.
• Sitting and rocking on a chair or edge of the bed.
• Sitting backwards on a chair, with arms resting on the back of the chair.
• Sitting on a chair leaning forward.
• Lunging with one foot up on a chair or stool.