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#5: Non-Supine (e.g., Upright or Side-Lying) Positions for Birth.
Ruth Keen1, Joyce Difranco, Debby Amis
1L eah A lbers is professor at the University of New Mexico, College of Nursing, and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine. She is a Fellow of the American College of Nurse-Midwives and the American Academy of Nursing.
The Journal of Perinatal Education
|February 3, 2007
Summary
Discover the benefits of non-supine positions during birth. Evidence-based practices like upright positions can reduce labor duration and interventions, promoting a normal birth experience for mothers and babies.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal Health
- Normal Childbirth Practices
Background:
- The Lamaze International position paper advocates for evidence-based practices to promote normal birth.
- Non-supine positions are increasingly recognized for their benefits during labor and delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the benefits of non-supine positions as an evidence-based practice for promoting normal birth.
- To inform childbearing women and their families about optimal birth positioning.
Main Methods:
- Review and synthesis of evidence supporting non-supine birth positions.
- Discussion of physiological benefits of upright and gravity-neutral labor positions.
Main Results:
- Upright and gravity-neutral positions facilitate fetal rotation and descent.
- These positions are associated with a shorter second stage of labor.
- Reduced rates of episiotomies and abnormal fetal heart rate patterns are observed.
Conclusions:
- Non-supine positions are a beneficial practice for supporting normal birth.
- Lamaze International recommends women labor and push when they feel the urge and choose comfortable positions.
- Empowering women with choices in birth positioning enhances the birthing experience.
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