Tailor Sitting

Why should I tailor sit?

Tailor Sitting helps eliminate unnecessary pressure in the pelvic area which improves circulation to the legs.
Tailor Sitting uses the bones of the pelvis to support your weight, preventing unnecessary discomfort of using the pelvic floor to support your weight.
Tailor Sitting allows you to lean forward, taking the weight of the uterus off your back and pelvic floor.
Tailor Sitting stretches the inside of your legs to help prepare you for second stage labor.
Tailor Sitting allows you to stretch your back, helping to reduce or eliminate backaches.

Tailor sitting helps prepare your body for labor in two ways. The first, as mentioned above, is that tailor sitting does help to keep the natural flexibilty of your legs so you can be as comfortable as possible in your chosen pushing position.

The second way is that tailor sitting also maintains the flexibility of your pelvis - the bones that make up your hips. Your baby will travel through your pelvis to be born, and to accomodate this traveler your pelvis is designed to flex and move. Tailor sitting is different from chair sitting because it opens the pelvis. This pelvic opening stretches the muscles surrounding the pelvis maintianing pelvic flexibility and may even help your baby adjust to an optimal birth position.

How to do it

Sit on a flat, hard surface with your legs crossed in front of you. Tailor Sitting is also called sitting "Cross-Legged" or "Indian Style."

How often to do it

Rather than aim for a certain amount of time sitting tailor style, use your daily routine to remind you to sit this way. Sit on the floor with your legs crossed for reading, watching television, playing with older children or other activities that you might do while sitting at a table.

What would you like next?

Learn comfort techniques for labor.

Explore the process of labor.

Find products to help you enjoy pregnancy and prepare to give birth..

Read research about birth options.

Find natural birth resources in your area.