How to Use a Birth Sling in Labor
At the birth center, we promote natural techniques like postural methods and breathing exercises to ease labor pain and support birthing.
Many find a birthing sling helpful for staying upright and relieving back pain during contractions. Let’s learn more about the birth sling in this brief guide.
What is a birthing sling?
A birthing sling is a harness made out of soft cloth and hung from the ceiling of the birthing suite. It is designed to be sturdy and weight-bearing to help you stay upright during labor. You can use the sling while kneeling on the bed or standing on the floor.
The sling wraps around the mother’s hips, and/or upper body making it easier for them to move around comfortably.
What are the benefits of a birthing sling?
A birth sling makes it easier for laboring mothers to stay upright and flexible. According to research, staying upright during labor is associated with positive outcomes such as:
- Quicker progress of labor
- Shorter labor duration
- Lesser pain associated with labor
- Decreased need for interventions
- Decreased anxiety and higher satisfaction with the labor process
- Helps the baby get into the optimum position for birth
It is also considered to be more empowering for women to be in an upright position instead of lying on the bed. It allows them to be more in control and involved in their labor process.
How do you use a birthing sling?
You can use the sling as a support while you kneel on the bed by leaning onto the sling with your shoulders and upper chest. Or you can stand and use the sling in a variety of positions such as the deep squat, or hip hinge, or use it as a support on a birthing ball.
Move around and try different positions to ensure you find one that works best for you.
Is it safe to give birth standing up?
Unless you have a medical reason, being upright and standing during labor is completely safe. Experts recommend being as active and upright as you can be during the first stage of labor. This helps open your pelvis and allows gravity to facilitate the baby’s descent down the birth canal.
However, in the active phase of the second stage, it is recommended that you sit or kneel on a soft surface just to make it more comfortable for you and safer for your baby’s delivery. You can still be upright by getting on all fours or sitting forward with your legs wide open.
The birthing sling is a tool that helps mothers feel more empowered during their birthing process. In the end, you should do what feels comfortable for you and enhances your overall experience.