Movement
During Childbirth
by Samantha Thurlby-Brooks
 The
'Active Birth' movement started in the 1980's
as a result of the common hospital practise of
forcing a woman to labour lying flat on her back
with her legs in stirrups. This creates a passive
birthing experience and leaves a woman feeling
attacked, helpless and will make the birthing
far more painful, dangerous and damaging than
nature intended.
Active Birthing means a woman
is allowed to move around and change position
as she feels like. A labouring woman will naturally
change position regularly to get more comfortable.
Moving the hips, walking around and rocking when
on all fours will help a baby to navigate their
way through the pelvis and down the birth canal.
If labour starts during the day
then normal everyday activities can help things
move along. So long as the activities are not
using the intellect and can be done without thinking
they will help a woman to while away the time
whilst in the early stages of labour. Vacuming
the house, doing the washing up, dusting, going
for a calm walk are all good activities and will
keep a labouring woman moving naturally. Remembering
to breathe and staying relaxed in all these activities
will ensure labour is progressing.
Allowing a labouring woman to
choose different upright positions that make her
feel more comfortable, or on all fours will take
all the pressure off her cocyx and allow more
space for baby to come out naturally.
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