Care practice #5: spontaneous pushing in upright or gravity-neutral positions.
This updated edition of Care Practice Paper #5 presents the evidence for the benefits of spontaneous pushing in upright or gravity-neutral positions during labor. Various pushing positions and techniques are described, and the advantages and disadvantages are reviewed. Women are encouraged to push when and how their bodies tell them to and to choose the positions for birth that are the most comfortable.
JOYCE DIFRANCO is codirector of Birth Pathways™, a Lamaze-accredited childbirth educator training program in the Los Angeles area of California.
Joyce T
JT
Difranco
Amy M
AM
Romano
Ruth
R
Keen