mollyHello and welcome to Moving for an Easier Birth

This class will give you techniques to help ease discomfort during preganancy, the warning signs of sub-optimal positions, the most likely reasons why labour may become difficult and things you can do safely and easily to help get labour back on track. These are techniques I've used for many years in my own practice and have taught to birth professionals around the world. They aren't infallable - but they do work most of the time.

Please familiarise yourselves with the moves in the four 4 videos,  Watch them videos in page order and use the links at the bottom of the page. One takes you to a slide show that will help familiarise you with the terms used in the live course, the other is a downloadable reminder of the positions and techniques you learn. I will guide you thorough the moves on the videos and discuss how the pelvis works through childbirth in the "live" session. By all means practice the moves and postions before the live class but pay attention to the safety advice and  contraindications - 

Live Zoom Session - Moving for an Easier Birth  Time: 6.30pm GMT

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89983238704?pwd=bklVODF2RHZ5c1lBTmRIVXMxSjlFZz09

Meeting ID: 899 8323 8704 - Passcode: 092200

Please be online 5 minutes before the session is due to start - if the zoom app isn't installed on your device please log on 15 minutes before the course is due to start - zoom will automatically guide you through installation

In the live class you will need to wear loose comfortable clothing, have a bed or settee nearby to practice the moves, a large scarf and some way of filming what you are doing so I can be sure the moves are practiced safely and correctly. 

The techniques in this course have proved to be effective in situations where labour is painful, slowed down or stopped because your baby is not in an ideal (sub-optimal)  position. Signs of sub-optimal position may include some of the following:

  • backache, pain above the pubic bone (often sharp).
  • Pain and discomfort in hips or groin and sometimes radiates down thighs.
  • Baby’s kicks and movements may be felt at the centre top of the abdomen or at the  front.
  • Sometimes pain location is described as ‘feels everywhere’.
  • During contractions may be unable to lie down especially during the early labour stage. 

Many of the techniques are also useful in relieving discomfort through pregnancy - the course handouts give full details of how and when to use them - link is at the bottom of this page - please go through each section before using the notes

Understanding your body

pelvis ligamentsPlease visit the slideshow discussing the anatomy and physiology of birth - sounds daunting but really - it's just another version of that old song "the hip bone joins to the thigh bone - we've left it open to you to click through the slides at your own pace - Along with the short video below they are there to help you understand how the pelvis and it's muscles and ligaments work through labour.

 

 How the pelvis works

Molly introduces herself and discusses the structure of the pelvis and the surrounding tissue and how they interact as babies make their way through it. 

Using the Rebozo

The Rebozo is a scarf that originates from Mexico. It is used in various ways in everyday life and women and midwives use it as an essential tool during pregnancy, labour and after the birth. It is specially woven fabric that offers a little elasticity or stretchiness so it can easily hug the body and abdomen.  While some of the rebozos have beautiful patterns please be aware that the open weave rebozos are easier to handle if using them for abdominal sifting (massage). Otherwise any scarf with similar dimensions and elasticity will work. Doesn’t everyone have a pashmina in the back of their wardrobe!?

This video shows how to use the scarf for a gentle uterine massage. Gentle is the key word. Use a gentle rhythmic motion, can be fast or slow depending on individual preference. Remember, don’t do it if you don’t like it or if it causes discomfort. . In pregnancy use a rebozo, shawl or scarf to gently sift or jiggle the abdomen. This can be done daily. It can soften the broad ligament and increases the likelihood of successful optimal positioning of the baby. Particularly useful before using other positions to help balance the pelvis. Use in early labour and the first stage as above. This also provides comfort in labour and promotes relaxation. Sift in between contractions. Can be done for as long as the woman wants.

Caution: if the placenta is anterior, be gentle with no jerky movements. Please avoid if there is a history of bleeding in pregnancy. A one off incident in early pregnancy is not a contraindication but using with persistent bleeding in pregnancy is not advised

Find out more about rebozos and their use in labour in this article describing its culture, use and background. Sophie Messager has an online shop where she sells ethically and sustainably produced rebozos

Sidelying Release

This is a very easy position and can be used during pregnancy once or twice a week to improve and maintain pelvic balance and stability and it can be used during the birthing process. I’ve used the sidelying position for years in my work as a midwife. It is not guaranteed to resolve a problem caused by a biomechanical issue ie the baby’s position but I’ve found it to be over 90% effective so definitely worth a try. Using it helps stretch the muscles and ligaments attached to the sacrum and cross over or through the hip to the leg, giving the baby a little more space to get into an optimal position.

 

  • You may feel the hip stretch while practising the position - don’t worry if you don’t feel it or feel it in one hip only - it is still effective.
  • If there's pain or discomfort under the bump or down the side or back of the legs it means the stretch is not happening in the right place - a little tweak in the way you are lying will often correct this. 
  • Sidelying release can be used at any point in labour, early or active, where malposition is suspected or if you’re experiencing a lot of sharp pain above the pubic area, backache, or if labour is lasting a very long time. Use the position for 5-10 minutes each side or for three contractions. It is suitable to use with an with an epidural.
  • Repeat the position every 4 hours if necessary.
  • It’s very effective in the pushing (2nd) stage when there is slow progress despite good pushing effort or contractions space out.
  • It’s advisable to mobilise for several minutes following Sidelying Release, Always work both sides.

Make sure you are safe as this position requires you to be close to the edge of the bed or sofa so the leg can hang freely. Either arrange furniture to hold on to or have your partner assist.

Forward leaning inversion - can be done from a chair or sofa - 

Please don’t use this position if you have any of the following: High blood pressure, glaucoma, polyhydramnios (that’s a lot of extra fluid around the baby) or any  medical condition that makes you susceptible to strokes. 

Only use this technique in labour if sub-optimal position is suspected or diagnosed. Always be guided by your comfort, if uncomfortable or feeling pain, stop using that position. Check with your midwife if there are any reasons why you should not use these positions. Please read contraindications

MFEB handout 300pix front pageDON'T FORGET TO DOWNLOAD AND PRINT YOUR COURSE HANDOUTS..

Cut out and keep guide to all the moves - can be printed or kept on a tablet or phone as a handy reminder of the moves - even in the labour room