Bath birth and birthing positions
The experience of childbirth and pain goes along with the relaxation of your body and mind. There are several factors that influence this. Examples include massage, movement, postures, warmth from a bath or shower, music, positive thoughts and a pleasant environment. So above all, follow your feelings about what you are comfortable with. We will help you to increase your comfort
Discover how your body produces natural painkillers during childbirth
Your body produces natural pain-relieving substances during childbirth. One of the main pain-relieving hormones released is endorphins. It takes away the sharp pain and allows you to relax more. Your body is then better able to produce oxytocin. Oxytocin, in turn, ensures effective contractions. Anxiety can interfere with this process. Should you experience this to a (large) degree, please indicate this!
Different postures during childbirth
Research shows that changes in posture and movement, among other things, have a positive effect on the pain experience and course. You can handle contractions in many different positions: for example, standing, walking, on your hands and knees, sitting or leaning against your partner. Try what feels best for you. This is often difficult to figure out beforehand if you have never given birth. We will help and encourage you in this. It is precisely the alternation of positions that works well on the descent of the head and the progress of labor. A skippyball is available at the Birth Center and the Franciscus Hospital.
When labor is just beginning and contractions are still somewhat irregular, you can rest while lying down in the breaks. Most women find this position less comfortable in a more advanced stage. Especially when pushing, it often feels unnatural. But again, it is important to do what feels fine. In the case of medical interventions, we may ask you to come and lie on the bed (temporarily).
During both the dilation and expulsion phases, a vertical posture has a beneficial effect. Women who adopt a position other than lying down generally have a shorter delivery, less pain and a lower chance of an artificial delivery. With a vertical position, you make more room in the pelvis. It then becomes easier for your baby to descend further and be born. Gravity also cooperates. Pushing is possible on your hands and knees, standing next to the bed, in the bathtub, in the side and back position and on the birthing stool. A stool is always present during an outpatient birth. We can also bring this for a home birth.
Different postures you can adopt during childbirth
- Lateral position
In this position, you lie on your side, with your knees raised and supported by pillows. This can help relieve pressure on your back and can be a comfortable position for rest periods between contractions. - Lying on your back
Thisis a traditional position often seen in movies, where you lie on your back with your legs raised. However, this position can reduce blood flow to the uterus and can make contractions less effective. - Half-sitting position
Inthis position, you sit half upright, supported by pillows. This can help cope with the pain of contractions and can also help with pushing. - Standing
Birthstanding can help use gravity to speed up the process. This can also help reduce the pain of labor and can be a comfortable position for some women. - Walking
Somewomen enjoy walking during labor, which can help cushion the pain of contractions and also help speed up labor. - On your hands and knees
Withthis position, you support yourself on your hands and knees, which can help relieve pressure on your back and can help with pushing. This position can also help put the baby in a better position for a smooth delivery. - Birthing stool
Abirthing stool can help use gravity during pushing and can also help put the baby in a better position for a smooth delivery. - Giving birth in the bathtub
Some women enjoy giving birth in a bathtub, which can help reduce the pain of labor and also help speed up labor. The warm water can also help relax muscles.
Bath birth
Some women enjoy catching contractions in the bathtub or shower. The warm water relaxes the whole body and the uterus (muscle). Your body may feel lighter, almost weightless, in the bath. Studies show that women who bathe feel more comfortable and are less likely to ask for pain relief. It can speed up the dilation phase. Also, it reduces the risk of ruptures. There are also benefits for the baby: the warm water allows for a more gradual transition from the womb to the outside world.
Would you also like to give birth in the bath? All midwives on the team are familiar with assisting in a bath birth. At both the Sophia Birth Center and the Franciscus Guest House, this is possible. For hygiene reasons, a new cover is put in with each client. You pay approximately €85,- In case you want to give birth in the bath at home, we advise you to rent a bath. A normal bath often has insufficient room to move. Make sure you have a bed, mattress or couch in the same room/neighborhood in addition to the delivery bath.