The evidence shows that birthing people should be encouraged to labor and push in the positions they find most comfortable. Upright positions are associated with lower perceived pain, shorter labors, and higher satisfaction.

We’ll review and explore:

• Movement and positions most useful for dilation (1st stage of labor)
• Movement and positions for pushing (2nd stage of labor)

Pillows, yoga mats, chairs, birth balls, scarves will all be mentioned. Bring props to practice with or just follow along.

Pain-coping skills are life skills, not just labor skills. The more they are practiced, the more easily they can be accessed and used during labor.