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Labor Positions

Knee-Chest
Dangle
Hands and Knees
Labor Dance
The Lift
The Lunge
Recliner Chair Sitting
Rocking
Side Lying
Squatting
Toilet Sitting
Tug of War
Walking and Swaying

Comfort Measures

Labor Support Basics
Positions for Labor
Labor Tools
Natural Remedies
Mastering Relaxation
The Right Position?
The Right Comfort Measure?
Setting the Environment
Touch in labor
Your Birth Place

 

 

The Dangle Position

What is the Dangle Position?

The dangle position is an upright supported squat, which allows the labor coach to support the mother without straining his or her back.

Why does the Dangle Position work?

Squatting positions take advantage of gravity to increase the work done during contractions. Squatting also widen the outlet of the pelvis, making it easier for the baby to move down.

By stretching the mother's trunk, the dangle increases the room for the baby to move, which may be beneficial if the baby is not sitting well on the cervix (asynclitic). The Dangle also gives the mother freedom to move her pelvis while squatting, which further improves the baby's ability to get into an optimal position.

One great benefit to the dangle position is that it is easier on the labor coach than other supported squat positions.

How do I do it?

The labor coach will sit on a high counter or bed with feet supported on chairs. The mother will position herself between the coach's legs, with her back to the coach. Once between the legs, the mother will put her arms over the coach's thighs, and the lower herself into a squatting position, allowing her arms and the coach's legs to support her weight.

Some sample Dangle Position techniques:

If the mother is fully dilated and not yet feeling an urge to push, the dangle position may help align the baby to begin the pushing reflex.

If the mother is experiencing a backache, the dangle position may allow the baby to move relieving the backache.

At home, try the dangle in the kitchen, sitting on the counter; in a hospital, try the dangle by raising the bed as high as it will go.




What would you like next?

Read some Sample Birth Plans and get information to help put your birth plan together.

Learn how exercise in pregnancy can shorten your labor.

Learn ways to handle Childbirth Challenges.

Discover the secrets of being emotionally prepared for labor.

Find easy meal ideas.


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Most Recent Update: October 22, 2009
© 2000-2009 Jennifer Vanderlaan & Birthing Naturally