Shellie Poulter
Doula and Educator
Open Knee Chest
Knee Chest
The head can rest down here and a nest of cushions can be used for added comfort. This is a great position for shaking the apples or other harmonic techniques or a bit of relief if surges are feeling too intense
Open Knee Chest
The head can rest down here and a nest of cushions can be used for added comfort. The shoulders stretch as far as possible away from the pelvis
This position helps to open the pelvic inlet - moving the pubic symphysis away from the spine, increasing the front to back space in the pelvis to help the baby to engage.
If the baby seems not to be moving past -2 station, this can allow space for the baby to rotate. The contractions will keep the baby head down and allow for rotation in the extra space. Often surges will pause and restart in a better pattern when the baby is in a more favourable position.
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The knee chest position can be helpful if surges are too intense feeling for the mother and they need a little respite as it helps lift the baby slightly off the cervix, reducing the pressure and easing intense contractions.
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With the open knee chest, the shoulders are moved forward, away from the body, the support person can hold back the thighs with a scarf and if there is a second support person they can support the birthing person's shoulders with their feet and ankles as shown. The scarf is NOT over the abdomen or hips at all.
