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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

Original poster

Active labour - squatting

15 replies

Mushroo · 06/12/2023 17:04

I keep reading how squatting is a great position to labour in, but I don’t understand how?

I can hold a squat for maybe 2 mins before my legs start aching. (There’s a reason wall sits are hard!)

I’ve tried to look up supported squats (like the attached pictures) but even with those it’s uncomfortable quite quickly in my legs.

Am I missing something? Do you just squat for a minute and take breaks? Or is it just not for me? I work out pretty regularly so in theory I should be a good candidate!

Active labour - squatting
Active labour - squatting
OP posts:
Cas112 · 06/12/2023 17:07

Don't ask me how cause I can't hold a squat for longer than 10 seconds at the gym but I was in squatting position whilst giving birth and was in that position for ages. I think the contraction pains were that bad the squatting felt like nothing 😂 the actual getting the baby out part and pushing was ok as well, I personally think it helped.. gravity and that

luckbealadytonight · 06/12/2023 19:13

You don't squat the whole time, but it can be a position that feels good as the baby moves down. You get in and out of it, moving with contractions and whatever feels good in the moment.

There are lots of 'good' positions for labour but you must listen to your body and move accordingly.

In my first labour I had this idea about using KICO (knees in calves out) for the pushing stage - I did it and it wasn't right for me, didn't feel good but I carried on anyway because I didn't know any better. I think I injured an adductor in the process. Other people swear by this position.

My second labour I went with what felt right and I ended up swaying my hips as I lent over the side of the pool.

It's really good to know some positions but don't use them 'just because'.

Creepybookworm · 06/12/2023 19:16

Birth stools help woman adopt a deep squat while supported.

Giftsonthefireandlogsonthetree · 06/12/2023 19:49

Don't overthink it. You'll probably just end up doing what feels instinctive to you at the time.

I found leaning over the birth pool and going up and down on my tip toes felt best for me. I learnt afterwards that's an instinctive thing we do to wiggle them through the pelvis. Birth is amazing!

Sexnotgender · 06/12/2023 19:50

I did something similar but more on my knees.

AnotherVice · 06/12/2023 20:40

By holding onto something like in the second picture.

Stressfordays · 06/12/2023 20:46

You'll do whatever your body tells you to (or what circumstances means you have to do) at the time. I laboured laying on my left side for all 3. A mix of circumstances and what felt most comfortable for me.

Original poster
Mushroo · 06/12/2023 21:28

Thank you! Sounds like I’m over thinking it a bit and my body will direct me how to move.

Good to know though that some people could squat longer than normal during labour! I guess the body just does what feels right.

Hoping to use the pool as well so that might help a bit.

OP posts:
CyberCritical · 06/12/2023 21:32

I just went with it, my body told me I needed to pace, I did not like the big exercise ball and that it was absolutely essential to be stood with my arse out leaning on the bed when a contraction hit. No one could have convinced me to move to another position because I knew that's what I needed.

Pooheadbumbum · 06/12/2023 21:35

Ha yes, I agree with PP! I’ve had very easy labours (and I wish that upon you too!), but if you asked me now to replicate the guttural noises I made while pushing my first 2…. I couldn’t in a million years.

Instinct is truly marvellous!

best of luck! You will be wonderful

Sumerian · 06/12/2023 21:38

I did it in a birthing pool, i think the water helped support my weight.

OldTinHat · 06/12/2023 21:41

My home birth with DC2 saw me in many a position over three hours in the second stage. I finally felt him move down when I was sat on the loo with my feet held up off the floor by the midwives.

No, he wasn't born in the loo, btw! But it was that position that got him on the move (he presented forehead first - daft idiot!).

user65977 · 06/12/2023 21:48

Agree with others about instinct taking over! I remember thinking about all the different positions and what looked the like a good way to give birth. When it came to it I just wanted to lay on my back which I have heard is the 'worst' position. The midwife kept asking if wanted to move. For some reason I felt the most in control that way.
With my second I have water birth and I just remember lying there with my legs floating around. I highly recommend if you have the option OP!

RaisinsOfMildAnnoyance · 06/12/2023 22:19

You'll just "know" what is right for you in the moment, although I do agree with reading up on various positions and movements that women find helpful, so you can at least try them out before labour.

I did a specific rocking motion during labour with my DD while pushing (it's hard to explain, but I knew in the moment it wasn't a "proper" push), she was back to back for a while but I didn't realise it. That movement while pushing is known to help babies turn and descend, so I learned later!

Staying mobile so you have the choice to move as you feel best is really helpful in labour.

PurpleBugz · 07/12/2023 08:29

My dad made my mum a birthing stool. She swears to was her easiest labour

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