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Positions for Labor and Birth

By Robin Elise Weiss, LCCE, About.com

7 of 8

Squatting

Squatting is a great way to increase the diameter of your pelvic outlet. This position should not be used until your baby is engaged in your pelvis. Once engaged this is a great position to help encourage descent of your baby further into your pelvis. It is also a great position in which to give birth.

The squatting position helps protect your perineum making it less likely that you would tear or require the use of an episiotomy during your birth. It is joking called the midwifes' forceps because of its ability to speed the pushing phase of labor.

Photo © Robin Elise Weiss

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