Sit like a queen- Optimum fetal positioning
Sit like a queen and scrub like a peasant. Have you heard of this and how it supports optimum fetal positioning?
Let’s start with Occiput Poster Position (back to back)
We have more than likely all heard the position ‘back to back’ baby, and the phrase is not usually one we jump for joy about. Back to back is more officially known as the Occiput Posterior position or OP. The occiput is the back of baby’s head, just above the nape of the neck. This is the heaviest part of baby so depending on which way you are leaning to the most in your day-to-day life is usually (other factors do play a part) where the heaviest part will fall… Are you with me so far?
OP babies are more commonly seen in today’s society because of our lifestyle. Take driving in the car as an example, the seats are very deep so our pelvis sinks backward. Same as our amazingly comfortable, slouchy sofas. It is great after a day’s work when you can slump into it with your feet up. Yet putting your feet up, the same as crossing your legs, encourages baby’s head to swing to your back instead of the optimum front.
Why does optimum fetal positioning matter?
Why does it matter I hear you say? So when the baby is FACING your back (occiput anterior aka OA), the occiput (heaviest part of baby’s head) has rolled to the front. Due to our not quite rounded human heads, this means that the smallest part of the head will be delivered first. So makes for an optimum position for childbirth. Now I only say OPTIMUM fetal positioning, as other positions of your baby, such as back to back, work too. Back to back is associated with longer labours as baby has to turn during labour to get into the optimum position.
My advice to you
- Sit like a Queen. Thrones are nice and straight so your pelvis doesn’t slouch back. You also sit with your legs lower than your pelvis giving your baby lots of room to be comfortably leaning to the front.
- Scrub like a pauper. Hands and knees and clean the floor. Perfect position to get baby’s occiput (heaviest part of head) to swing to the front.
This image shows one example of a way you can “chill” whilst in an optimum position. These are ways to encourage your baby into the optimum fetal position. You can use the ‘scrubbing the floor’ position when you’re watching tv. Try and use a dining room chair to sit on or a birthing ball. However, if you do have a throne lying around the house, now is your time to work it.
These tips for optimum positioning work during labour too. Read Jade’s Positive Birth; Optimal Positioning story here.
Photo creds:
Featured Image: @grifonaki
Birth Ball Image: @rewildherbirth
