Using squatting bars during labor?

pinkpigeon · July 2011

We took a tour of our hospital last weekend and the tour guide said they have two pairs of squatting bars that can be requested to use during labor.

I've never heard of squatting bars but gather that they hook onto the hospital bed and you use them while squatting/trying to position baby/etc.?

Has anyone ever used squatting bars? Are they any useful websites on how-to use them?

Thanks in advance!

chiromommyMichelle · July 2011

They'll help you balance when squatting up on the bed, vs squatting on the floor holding a piece of furniture, which makes it easier for your provider to see what's going on without havin to lay on the floor, lol!

SarahPLiz · July 2011

Squatting is the most natural position for giving birth, as it uses gravity to bring the baby down (as opposed to laying flat on your back) and opens the pelvis. Most hospitals won't let you squat on the floor during the pushing stage because the doctors don't want to have to get down with you to catch. They install squat bars on the bed so you can hold yourself up while you squat. It also helps to have your partner (DH, etc) behind you to give you extra stability.

islandgirl79 · July 2011

I used one while in labor with DS. I found it very helpful, especially as my epi wore off and I had total control over my legs. I don't know of any websites but if you havent taken your labor class yet you can ask your instructor.

jessicaclare · July 2011

I used one with DD1, so gravity could help pull her down into position. I had a hard time pushing with her. The nurses and DH helped me get into position and it was pretty easy (or at least, as easy as pushing out a baby can be)

SoxFan777 · July 2011

I'm a FTM, but the hospital having squat bars is a MAJOR bonus in my opinion... We picked the hospital based on a lot of things, but the one we chose has squat bars and birthing balls and tubs... All three are things that I think will come in handy since we're TRYING to go all natural.

Beabs · July 2011

I used one during my labor, and I loved it. It made the contractions easier to deal with (I ended up having to go med-free). DS didn't like it though, b/c his kept dropping when I was pushing in that position so I had to stop using it. I had no experience/practice with it until I got in the room. The nurses sort of showed me what to do, but I really just did what felt right. I figured they would tell me if I was doing something wrong.

Amya · July 2011

I tried with my ds, but I had horrible back labor and I literally screamed when I squatted (not my proudest labor moment). I think if I wasn't having back labor it would have been really beneficial. I'm going to try again with my dd if I don't have the same back labor.

cwyland · July 2011

Use it! DS was born early Wednesday morning after laboring for 36 hours. I spent the last few hours of intense labor on the squat bar. The set up was amazing and the bed turns into a giant chair designed to let you squat while there is still bed down under your feet to catch the baby. They simply hiked me up and the MW and DH knelt by the bottom of the bed and delivered DS. My contractions were centered on my lower back and sitting on the edge of the bed with the squat bar was the most bearable position available. My doula packed warm rice socks against the small of my back and it provided a whole lot of relief as well. I suggest using the squat bar with heat applied to the places you're feeling the pain the worst.

Good luck!

tiplovesdap · July 2011

In my prenatal yoga class, we practice squatting every time. And once you do for even a few moments, you can feel that the open feeling of the position is going to be very natural for labor and delivery. I'm a FTM but the second timers in my yoga all swear that the bar just adds to the open feeling and is very helpful during labor. They say practice squatting until you go into labor to get your leg strength up and get used to the position ahead of time. When you squat, spread your legs a little further than hip width and you should feel that your belly slips perfectly between your legs. There's also a picture and explanation of good squat technique in the WTE book. I love that position already so I hope you will too. GL!

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