Birthing Toolkit: Labour Positions That Help Labour Progress
Practical, body-based techniques to support a more efficient labour.
Long, exhausting labours aren’t just about pain tolerance.
Often, it’s about position, alignment, and how the baby moves through the pelvis.
This class focuses on how to use your body (and gravity) to support labour progress, reduce unnecessary stalling, and help things move along more smoothly.
This is not a childbirth theory class.
It’s a hands-on toolkit for labour.
Best taken from 28 weeks of pregnancy onwards
When labour stalls, parents are often told to “wait and see”
What we commonly see:
Long early labour with little progress
Strong contractions but slow dilation
Exhaustion setting in early
Interventions being suggested because labour isn’t progressing
Many of these situations are influenced by:
Maternal position
Pelvic mechanics
Baby’s position and descent
Small changes in how you move, rest, and labour can make a meaningful difference.
This class is about helping labour work with your body
You’ll learn:
Which positions can encourage better cervical dilation
How upright, forward-leaning, and asymmetric positions use gravity effectively
How certain positions can help rotate a baby who is poorly positioned
When rest is helpful — and when movement matters more
How partners can support positioning without guessing
This is practical, guided, and immediately usable in labour.
What You’ll
Learn
Birthing Toolkit covers:
1. The mechanics of labour (simply explained)
How the pelvis changes shape in different positions
Why lying flat can slow labour
How baby position affects progress
2. Labouring positions for different stages
Early labour: conserving energy while encouraging progress
Active labour: positions that support descent and rotation
Second stage: working with pushing reflexes and gravity
3. Using movement strategically
When to walk, sway, squat, or lean
When to rest — without stalling labour
How to alternate positions effectively
4. Partner-supported positioning
Counter-pressure, rebozo-style support, and hands-on guidance
How partners can assist without overwhelming the labouring parent
This class is especially helpful if you:
Want to reduce the risk of prolonged or stalled labour
Prefer practical tools over theory-heavy classes
Want clear guidance on what to do during labour
Are planning a vaginal birth and want to support labour progress naturally
This class is not a full childbirth education course and does not replace medical care.
Explore our Holistic Childbirth Preparation Courses
Position is one of the few things you can actively influence in labour
You can’t control:
When labour starts
How long each contraction lasts
Whether interventions are offered
But you can influence:
How your pelvis opens
How gravity assists labour
How efficiently your body works with contractions
This class gives you options — not promises.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. Birth isn’t predictable. But positioning can support more efficient labour progress and reduce unnecessary stalling.
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Many positions can be adapted and we’ll discuss realistic options.
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Yes, especially if your previous labour was long or stalled.
What our clients say
Mother & Child is an absolute sanctuary for new mums - whether it’s your first baby or your third (and beyond). It’s one of those rare, safe, nurturing places where you can meet other mums, speak to experts, or simply tuck yourself away to feed your baby in peace. If there were more places like this in the world, motherhood would feel so much lighter for so many women. Dr Mythili and the entire team are incredibly warm, compassionate and genuinely supportive. I’m so grateful this place exists. Highly recommended for any new mum.
Lucy Frost
After my first consult with Dr Mythili, I left wondering why I didn’t find Mother & Child earlier. My 2-month-old had been crying at the breast despite my good milk supply. Dr Mythili immediately identified a tongue tie, high palate and body tension — things no one had picked up before. With clear guidance on bottle-feeding, positioning and retraining, I finally feel hopeful and supported.
Xu Yao
I saw M&C LCs for both my babies. Their interventions were literally life-changing. I was about to give up breastfeeding to exclusively pump for my first and after visiting Uma (now retired), I exclusively breastfed for a year. For my second, I visited Dr Mythili for oversupply, gassiness and latching issues. I’m happy to say that they’ve all been resolved and I’m once again happily exclusively breastfeeding. Thank you M&C for your expertise, kindness, encouragement and support for mothers. I’ve been recommending you to anyone who would listen 🥹😊
Cherissa Tan
You don’t need more information. You need usable tools.
This class focuses on what helps labour move forward, calmly, practically, and safely.