Staying in your own strength
Giving birth is an active process. Your body knows what it needs to do — and movement helps support that natural process. By changing positions and moving in a way that feels good for you, you give your body the space to work with the contractions.
Giving birth upright, rocking, leaning, squatting or making circles with your pelvis: these are all ways to make use of gravity and encourage your baby’s descent. Many women notice that movement helps release tension and makes contractions easier to cope with.
In our birthing suites, you are free to move and try out different positions. You may do whatever feels right for you, in your own time and in your own rhythm.
Birthing stool
The birthing stool is a wonderful support if you would like to give birth in an upright position. By giving birth while sitting with your legs open, you make optimal use of gravity and create more space in your pelvis.
Many women experience the birthing stool as a powerful, natural position that helps with pushing. You sit firmly and stably, while still maintaining freedom of movement. Your partner can sit behind you for support, which often gives an extra sense of safety and connection.
Birthing balls
We have several types of birthing balls, including large exercise balls (similar to gym balls) and smaller variants. They invite gentle rocking, circular movements and relaxed sitting.
Moving on a ball helps keep your pelvis flexible and can provide relief from back labour. It stimulates your baby’s descent and helps you stay in a pleasant flow during dilation.
You can sit on the ball, lean against it or drape yourself over it — exactly in the way that feels right for you at that moment.
Positions on the bed or in the pool
Freedom to choose
In addition to the birthing stool and birthing balls, you can also use the bed or — if you choose — the birthing pool. Every position has its own benefits, and what feels comfortable can change from one stage of labour to another.
Side-lying, hands-and-knees, semi-upright, standing and leaning, or floating in warm water: you are free to keep tuning in to what your body needs. Your midwife and the maternity care assistant will think along with you and support you in finding a position that is safe and comfortable.
“Most important is that you feel safe — in your own time, in your own way.”
