I recently completed an online course in biomechanics of birth with Shellie Poulter, the Serenity Doula. Shellie is a doula and osteopath with years of experience in how movement and technical positions can support anatomy and physiological birth.
It was an eye opener to learn what the anatomy of the female pelvis looks like and how mother and baby work together to move down the birth canal. The female body is amazingly designed to give birth.
This course is a perfect complement to my birth support services. It helps to support the physiology of labour and also to give the pregnant woman confidence in her own body and abilities. It is an excellent part of doula support.
What is the biomechanics of childbirth?
Birthing biomechanics is a set of techniques to support the anatomy of birth. They are different movements and postures that a pregnant woman can do from pregnancy and during labour to help her baby pass through the birth canal.
These techniques are organised from less to more intervention. One of the most important things I have learned is to suggest a technique only when we feel it can help the mother in some way, helping her to relax, balance or make space. And always bearing in mind that this is an intervention, so it will influence the ongoing birth.
Sometimes births can become stuck so trying different movements and positions may help the baby to move or the mother to make space through the pelvis.
Relaxation, movement, gravity, rest are the aspects we will consider when suggesting these techniques. Massaging, using shawls or suggesting movements and postures are all part of these techniques.
And it is the way in which we ask, we suggest to the mother one of the most important points. The mother will choose and have control at all times, always respecting that it is she who knows her body and her sensations and when she does not want this technique, we stop.
The incredible benefits start already during pregnancy
One of the most appreciated parts of the course is that I can show these techniques during pregnancy. Many of them help to relax the mother-to-be, and showing the techniques to your partner allows you to build trust in the couple. Your partner as your first support in labour will feel more confident. These techniques are an incredible bonding tool between the couple when given as a quiet massage.
Adding these resources during my prenatal visits is a bonus for expectant parents to feel more empowered and gain more information to be prepared for birth by learning the anatomy of the body – and it’s always a nice way to nurture the mum-to-be with massage and chancery techniques that bring deep relaxation!
When can biomechanics of childbirth be used?
In any type of vaginal birth, both at home and in hospital. Many midwives are trained in these techniques and parents are sent the information during pregnancy so that they can start practising the postures and become familiar with them.
These techniques can be adapted to facilitate the anatomy of labour, even with an epidural and therefore restricted movement. For example the side lying position.
Just as learning about the physiology of childbirth can be beneficial regardless of the type of birth you have, learning about the biomechanics of childbirth can also make a difference. Because knowing how your body works and how your baby works with you gives you the strength, confidence and mindset to prepare for the birth of your baby.
