“I’m pregnant, but not feeling as happy and excited as I thought I’d be”

An Active Birth is a term first defined by Janet Balaskas, although birthing actively is actually nothing new in the history of giving birth.  It was apparently King Louis XIV who insisted that his wives should lie down on a table, so he could get a better view of the birth!  Before then upright positions were common practice.  

Active birthing is more than just moving around freely during your labour, it is also about empowering you as you birth, to follow your body’s urges, and to accept and trust your body during this amazing time. 

When you are free to move about, you are in control, less frightened of what is happening, and supports a positive experience. There are also many physical benefits to active birthing, such as having gravity on your side, less pain is felt, the pelvis and coccyx (tailbone) is left free to move and adjust as pēpi descends, more oxygen to pēpi during labour, more effective contractions, easier to push, less risk of tearing, and the list goes on. 

Those who are active in their labour often report having a more satisfying birthing experience. 

Your pelvis opens an extra 28% if you’re upright and slightly squatting – almost an extra 1/3 of space for baby to pass through!  Yes please! 

For more reading, please see: 

http://www.janetbalaskas.com/ 

http://www.activebirthcentre.com/