The Secret to an Easier, Faster Birth

As a Lamaze teacher, I know that laying on your back to give birth isn't the best position. Pushing a baby out takes a lot of physical energy so you need all the help you can get! When you're in an upright position, gravity lends a helping hand and it's easier to have a baby.

When it comes to healthy birth practices, the evidence is in: you should avoid giving birth on your back!

As a doula, when I see someone get into a squat during labour and birth I get pretty excited because I know that their baby may be arriving sooner rather than later.

Why Should You Squat?

I mean, if the following two reasons don't inspire you to give it a try, I'm not sure how else to convince you.

Reason #!: Squatting can make your labour and birth less painful

Squatting can relieve the pressure in your back which means less pain for you.

Reason #2: Squatting while you push can shorten your labour by about 34 minutes.

It's just plain science- when you squat while you're pushing a baby out, the act of squatting can increase the size of your pelvis AND increase the pressure in your abdomen. This means your birth canal is a bit wider and the pressure in your stomach helps push the baby down and out, so you don't have to do as much work.

Another bonus? When you squat, it relaxes the pelvic floor muscles and reduces your chances of tearing or episiotomy. (Seriously! It's pretty hard to contract your pelvic floor muscles when you're in a squat- try it and see!)

(RELATED: How to Push your Baby Out Without Tearing a Damn Thing)

How to Squat for your Birth

Popping a squat isn't rocket science. But the truth is that if you're reading this, you're probably pregnant. And when you've got a baby bump, your center of gravity has shifted so you want to go slowly and practice!

It's ideal to start practice before you're pregnant, but you can (and should!) practice getting down while you've got a baby on board, too.

Tips for Practicing your Birth Squats

The key to doing anything while you're pregnant is to take it easy! When you're first starting to squat:

- hold onto heavy furniture and door handles

- hold onto a friend or partner

- start s l o w l y

- use rolled towels under your heels at first until you're strong enough to have your feet flat on the floor

- start holding your squat for 30-60 seconds and then progress to a 2 or 3 minute squat

- practice kegels and core breathing while you're squatting for a healthy pelvic floor!

** If you have hemorrhoids, varicose veins or a stitch in your cervix always use something under your heels**

Squatting for your Labour

The best part about this birth position is that you only need to stay in a squat during contractions. That means you can rest your body and legs in between!

(RELATED: What it Feels Like to Have a Baby: Labour from Start to Finish)

As if a less painful and faster birth weren't enough, squatting when you have a baby means it's easier for you to look down and see the birth, reach down and pick up your newborn. 

Consider squatting for your birth, Mama! 

If you loved this information, you should check this out: 5 Things First Time Moms Need to Know About Giving Birth Naturally

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