Giving birth is an important event in every mother’s life. It is important that she experience the greatest comfort during this event. The position she adopts during labour plays a significant role here. You will probably be surprised at the amount of evidence that is out there for the benefits of making changes in the position of a mother during labour and birthing.
A medical expert has pointed out that for centuries, women have given birth in various positions that reduce pain. One of the most effective of these positions is the squatting position. In this position the birth canal becomes flexible and relaxes during the birthing experience. Cuts and tears are reduced in this position.
An age-old technique for the modern labour room
Researchers have found that squatting helps during labour in different ways. Here is a quick list: (1) According to a study conducted by Gardosi and colleagues, squatting shortens the second stage of labour by 11 minutes. (2) The squatting position is assisted by gravity. In this position, the dimensions of the bony pelvis, in both the transverse and anterior/posterior directions, are increased by as much as 28%. (3) The squatting position may result in fewer instrumental deliveries and episiotomies.
The age-old technique of squatting is, therefore, very relevant today. The typical Ob/Gym delivery table in the modern labour room, however, is not very suitable for the squatting position.
The Squat Table
The Squat Table from Phoenix has been specifically designed for comfortable birthing positions. The table supports squatting, lithotomy and the supine position.
The Phoenix Squat Table has been designed for the convenience of those assisting with a delivery as well. The physician can control the orientation of this with an electronic foot-operated remote. At the press of a button, the angle of the table can be adjusted up to 180° according to the requirement of the delivery. Its height can be adjusted to as low as 16 inches so that the mother can comfortably place herself on it during labour. Subsequently the height of the bed can be raised to up to 6 feet so that doctors and nurses have easy access.
The table readily converts to the squatting position with a pair of leg supports. With a simple change of these supports to calf supports, the table supports lithotomy.
The Squat Table comes in different soothing colours to match any labour room.
Related sources:
NCBI published :
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17319414
