The single most romantic and effective way to labor.
Just imagine it now...
The lights are dim, your feet firmly grounded onto the floor, and the smell of your favorite essential oil is filling the air. You're holding onto the neck of your partner, all snuggled up in their arms, leaning into their chest with your eyes close. You're swaying rhythmically to the music as pressure waves (contractions) rush over you, getting you one step closer to meeting the babe you've waited months (or maybe a lifetime) for.
Sounding romantic yet?
In honor of Valentine’s Day this week, I'm getting all mushy and gushy.
So get ready, I'm about to share my favorite, and most romantic labor technique with y’all.
It's simple, yet effective and it's called...
The slow dance.
The slow dance can be performed while face-to-face with your partner and it is extremely helpful in active labor.
In this position the mother can hang onto her partner during a contraction keeping her completely upright but fully supported at the same time.
Here are some reasons why the slow dance is so effective during labor:
Increases blood flow to the uterus (laying flat on your back can decrease blood flow).
Boosts oxytocin (the love hormone) responsible for contractions.
Uses gravity to bring baby down by putting more pressure on the cervix, making labor shorter.
Movement of the hips can open the pelvis, encouraging descent of the baby.
So if you find your contractions spacing out and are in need of an oxytocin boost, just look at your partner, standing face-to-face, nuzzle your head into their chest and sway back-and-forth.
Lean onto them for support through contractions, then stand up and dance again once it is through.
I’m telling you, the slow dance position will help your labor progress quicker and get your baby in a better position!
Pro Tip: This Valentine's Day, make a music playlist that you’ll want to slow dance to during labor and share it with your partner.
Ready to take the next step?
Experience a LIVE hands-on training at the Birth Better Together workshop on Februrary 25th at 1:30 PM PST// 4:30 PM EST with me, Kylie :)
Click the link here for more details. I hope to see you there!
All my best,
Kylie Chapman
PS... this is the only workshop offered in February!