Many women give birth on the back, but that is not necessarily the best attitude
© Getty Images
The Flemish Professional Organization of Midwives (VBOV) and the Flemish Association for Obstetrics and Gynecology (VVOG) are launching a campaign that must encourage women to move more during delivery. Many parents do not know that back position is not an obligation and that other postures can offer benefits, says the VBOV.
In many Flemish hospitals, women can freely choose their attitude during contractions. However, a recent survey by the midwives and gynecologists show that women, especially in epidural anesthesia or while pressing, often give birth on their backs. They are not encouraged enough to move.
However, exercise offers various benefits during delivery and work, says VBOV. In this way it helps women to deal better with the intensity of contractions and it enables the baby to optimally position itself in the pelvis for a smooth delivery. In addition, moving women often have to squeeze less for a long time and the chance of needs aids (eg a vacuum pump). Above all, it gives women control over their own birth.
The VBOV and the VVOG now hope to make women more aware of those benefits with a number of illustrative videos. « During the birth, many women feel a natural urge to move and take instinctive attitudes that work for them, » says Marlene Reyns, chairman of the VBOV. « Sitting, standing, kneeling, squatting or moving on the bed: everything is possible. »
