Squatting Birth 2025: Costs, Benefits, and How to Prepare for Natural Delivery

When thinking about labor, many imagine lying flat on a hospital bed, enduring contractions. However, many mothers now opt for different labor positions, with squatting becoming an increasingly popular choice. This position harnesses gravity to assist in the birthing process and offers multiple benefits for both mother and child.

Why Choose the Squatting Position for Birth?

Paige Schwaiger from Mountain Midwives highlights a simple analogy: just as you don’t lay a ketchup bottle flat to pour it, similarly, squatting helps facilitate the baby's descent naturally. Despite this, the lying down (supine) position remains the most common due to cultural norms, medical training, and hospital room setups.

Alternative birthing positions gaining attention include standing, squatting, hands-and-knees, sitting, and lying on your side. Movement during labor can empower you, help manage pain, and encourage the baby’s optimal positioning.

Specifically, squatting leverages gravity and may even expand the pelvic opening, potentially easing delivery.

Key Benefits of Squatting During Labor

Choosing to deliver in a squatting or other upright position can offer numerous advantages, such as:

• Reduced risk of perineal injuries, including tears
• Less swelling (vulvar edema)
• Lower blood loss during delivery
• Shortened duration of the first and second stages of labor
• Decreased reliance on epidural pain management
• Increased pelvic outlet size facilitating childbirth
• Improved fetal heart rate stability
• Lower likelihood of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission for the baby

A 2007 study found that women who birthed while squatting experienced no second or third-degree tears, compared to 9% in the supine group, and also had fewer instrument-assisted deliveries. Postpartum complications like retained placenta and hemorrhage were also less frequent.

Overall, experts recommend that mothers choose the most comfortable position for birth, as comfort can improve physical relaxation and psychological well-being.

Possible Drawbacks of Squatting Birth

The effectiveness of squatting may depend on the squat style. Parallel squats (where the buttocks do not dip below the knees) differ from deep squats (where the buttocks drop near the ankles). Deep squats have been linked to increased risks of hemorrhoids, low-lying placenta, and umbilical cord issues, and could influence the baby's position negatively.

Additionally, prolonged squatting during late pregnancy (weeks 34–38) might affect the baby's engagement and lead to a less favorable presentation.

During labor, squatting can be physically demanding, especially without prior preparation. It can also complicate fetal monitoring and may hinder the mother's ability to assist in delivery, such as holding the baby as it emerges.

Who Should Avoid Squatting During Birth?

Consult your healthcare provider before planning a squatting birth. Some hospitals have policies limiting certain birthing positions, and providers need to be comfortable and experienced with this method.

If you plan to use an epidural, squatting may not be feasible since it can impair your ability to stand or squat independently. Support may help, but safety is paramount.

Squatting may also be unsuitable if:

• Enhanced fetal or maternal monitoring is required
• Your baby shows signs of distress
• You have medical conditions making upright positions risky

Preparing for a Squatting Birth During Pregnancy

Labor is a marathon, so building endurance is crucial. Regularly practicing squats during pregnancy strengthens the thigh muscles and improves stamina.

Using a birth ball to sit or gently bounce can enhance core strength and posture. Aim to hold squats for the duration of a contraction (about 60 to 70 seconds), but avoid pushing while practicing.

Pay attention to your upper body form: leaning forward with chin tucked helps the baby progress through the birth canal. Share these cues with your birth partner for support during labor.

Helpful Tools and Support for Squatting Labor

Many modern hospitals acknowledge squatting benefits and may offer aids such as:

• Birth balls (yoga balls) for sitting or leaning
• Squat bars attached to hospital beds
• Birthing stools designed to open the pelvic outlet
• CUB support devices that inflate to assist squatting positions
• Partner or doula assistance to provide physical support

Remember to alternate positions and rest as needed to maintain energy and allow for proper monitoring.

Recommended Birthing Aids to Purchase Online

• Birth ball
• Peanut labor ball
• CUB support device

Can Squatting Birth Be Done at Home?

Squatting is a viable option for home births. Discuss its use and potential benefits with your midwife and doula to incorporate suitable tools like birth balls or stools.

While squatting may help shorten labor and provide comfort, it does not guarantee an uncomplicated delivery. Stay flexible and have contingency plans in place.

Final Thoughts

According to Siobahn Miller from The Positive Birth Company, there is no one-size-fits-all birth position—each body and baby is unique. Explore different positions to find what feels best for you.

Squatting could be the ideal position to facilitate labor, but always communicate with your healthcare team about your preferences and any concerns.

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