The Lift in Labor

What is the Lift?

The lift is a technique for encouraging rotation of a posterior baby by lifting him up and off the pelvis.

Why does the lift work?

The lift is performed in an upright position, which uses gravity to promote effective contractions. However, the baby is lifted up and out of the pelvis, which gives the baby more room to rotate.

How do I do it?

Have the mother stand with her back to the coach. The coach's arms should be around the mother's abdomen, with the hands meeting under her belly. As a contraction starts, the coach should "lift" the baby out of the pelvis by lifting the belly.

Some sample lift techniques:

Coach and mother should walk between contractions. As contraction begins, coach moves behind the mother and performs the lift.

If coach's arms do not fit, wrap a rebozo around the mother and have the coach lift up on the ends of the rebozo during the contraction.

The mother can place her own hands under her abdomen and lift the baby and belly during a contraction.

What would you like next?

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