Hip sway... probably a stupid question

mystrana

Ok, I've been reading and studying up on preparing for a med-free, low-intervention birth and I noticed that in birth videos, a lot of the women seem to kind of sway their hips through contractions or as they're starting or finishing a contraction and I got to thinking... is there a method to it? Like, something I could practice beforehand? Or is it just a "whatever makes you feel better while it's happening" type thing?

I know it's a stupid question, but I figured STMs could share their experience?

choppinbroccoli22

You kinda know what your body needs to do at the time. It will feel right.. something will relieve pressure or help you in some other way.

00jennifer00

I think it helps the baby maneuver the birth canal and get into position.  It'll just feel right if you need it, and it won't if you don't.  I haven't in all of my labors, just some of them.

alanap

Yep, it's all instinct and doing what feels best

Sawyerplus1

mystrana:

 Or is it just a "whatever makes you feel better while it's happening" type thing?

yep, that's exactly what it is. I've had 3 natural births and this most recent one was the first one where I felt the need to sway my hips. I didn't really plan any specific coping things for any birth, and just did what was best at the time (#1:counter pressure, #2: vocalizing, and #3: mainly breathing and visualization, but definitely some hip sway). 

ChibiMommy

Sawyerplus1:

mystrana:

 Or is it just a "whatever makes you feel better while it's happening" type thing?

yep, that's exactly what it is. I've had 3 natural births and this most recent one was the first one where I felt the need to sway my hips. I didn't really plan any specific coping things for any birth, and just did what was best at the time (#1:counter pressure, #2: vocalizing, and #3: mainly breathing and visualization, but definitely some hip sway). 

This except make that 1 med free induction and 1 natural birth.  I swayed this time but I went through every thing trying to find what felt the best. Once I was in transition and desperately searching for something to ease the contractions my mw said "you are in transition, nothing is going to help you just have to hang on for one minute. Breath."  For some reason it was comforting to me to meditate on that through each of my transition contractions. "Nothing is going to feel good right now but you only have to hang on for a minute and then let it go."   

AmyRI

alanap:

Yep, it's all instinct and doing what feels best

this.

Hospital birth class had us "practice" and I found it totally useless. It was good to know to try swaying... but practicing did not help. In the moment, you'll be able to feel what you need to do - how far apart to put your legs, how and when to sway, leaning over or not. Listen to your body.

aylafsu88

I dont know what the sway is supposed to do but I will tell you it felt good for me during contractions.  I stood or was on all fours in the tub during my labor. For me swaying my hips back and forth when standing (or rocking back and forth on all fours when I was in the tub) helped distract me from my contractions.  It gave my mind and body something to do and helped ease my pain.  You wont really know what positions or if the sway will work for you until labor starts. So I wouldn't worry about practicing it now.  Trust me when labor starts you will figure out what feels the most comfortable for your body!

mystrana

Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences!

zaramarie81

My chiro has me doing exercises on a "wobble chair" to prep for labor, which is similar to the hip sway. A birthing ball has a similar effect, I believe. Yeah, it's not a special technique more just... something that can help.

ETA: The reason behind the wobble chair exercises is not just "practice" though. It strengthens the muscles as well as increases flexibility of the muscles and ligaments and helps the baby get into a good position. But who knows what I'll actually end up doing in labor!

MangomamaFL

Belly Dancing is a way to "practice" hip swaying, but it is not necessary. While in labor just do whatever feels the best and don't worry about technique.