04/11/2025
These words-
‘Active birth’
‘Labour positions’
‘Birth partner support’
sound like a physical workout, or a set of exercises, or perhaps some mysterious combination of postures to be done.
To simplify things-
it means any position or movement that the person who is birthing is doing.
They might use ‘props’ or people to support them in the position they choose for themselves, for comfort.
Ideally, they can move about freely, however they wish. They don’t need to do lots of different prescribed movements.
Props may include furniture, walls, pillows, stairs, rebozo scarf, birth ball, peanut ball, water/pool, slings/rope, or loving hands arms or shoulders to lean into. Anything!
If there are reasons that their instinctive movements are disturbed (e.g epidural, monitoring, physical or clinical restrictions) then knowledge of some adaptation or alternative positions may be helpful.
There are some movements or positions that may be beneficial in labour in some circumstances (e.g baby not in an optimal position, prolonged labour).
Free movement includes resting when needed.
These beautiful images from
If you want more ideas or practical inspiration DM about my private Birth prep or Hypnobirthing course options (next available dates in January).
