Back Labour

Back Labour

If your baby is in the prosterior position (with his back paralell to your back instead of at the front of your tummy) it could cause intense pain during each contraction in labour. Always best to prepare for this, as it's scarey and could be very painful and difficult to cope if you dont have any tools at your disposal. 

 A 'back labour' can be longer than a normal labour - you can shorten this by getting your baby into the right position. If you know your baby's position in your pregnancy start these techniques NOW! If you'r ein early labour or suspect a back to back labour use our suggestions below and never lie on your back (unless for a quick vaginal exam) or sit back in a chair - alwasy lean forwards to give baby the space of your pelvis to turn. 

Our coping strategies for pain in your back during labour.

• Double hip squeeze. A technique done by your partner. Squeeze both hips together and towards the spine to pick the muscles up off the lower back
• Counter pressure. A technique done by your birth partner: Use the heel of your hand to add firm but gentle pressure on the lower back or the bottom of the spine on the bottom just above her bottom line. You could also use heat (wheat bag or warm flannel) or cold (coke can, cold flannel) or a tennis ball. 
• ‘All fours’ position - roll your hips round in big circles to widen the pelvis and encourage baby to turn away from your spine. 
• Back massage. Using a vegetable oil such as sweep up from the hips to the bra strap line, take the pressure off when coming back round the tummy to the hips again.
• Polar bear position – from an ‘all fours’ position place your knees behind your hips and drop down onto your elbows, placing your head on a pillow. Your bottom should be in the air. Don’t worry about how this looks – you’re not posing for Vogue!
• Gentle walk.
• Sit on a birth ball, lean forward and circle your hips
• Use HypnoBitthing / Natal Hypnotherapy techniques as a tool to go into yourself and labour well. 
• Reflexology has been very helpful for women with babies that are back to back or prosterior to get them to turn away from the spine