Guide | How the Traditional Birthing Stool Can Improve Modern Birth
Labor is a major event in a woman's life, and birth position can strongly affect the process. Birthing stools, also called birthing chairs, have recently returned as labor aids and are offered by many birth centers and hospitals. They help patients remain upright, use gravity to support labor, and reduce unnecessary interventions. Below are their benefits, drawbacks, and use.
What is a birthing stool?
A birthing stool is a backless seat with an opening in the center so the birth attendant can receive the baby. A similar birthing chair has a backrest to support the patient during labor. Both have a long history, with birthing chairs recorded in Babylonian civilization as early as 2000 BC. Although bed-based delivery became standard with modern medicine, birthing stools have regained interest as a more natural option.
Benefits of a birthing stool
Giving birth upright on a birthing stool or chair may offer several benefits:
Supports a better birth position
An upright position reduces strain on the lower spine and widens the pelvic outlet. Gravity helps the baby move downward and may accelerate labor.
Reduces unnecessary interventions
Research suggests that upright labor can shorten the first stage by up to 80 minutes, reducing fatigue and anxiety. Patients who remain upright during the first stage may be less likely to need an epidural or cesarean delivery, and their babies may be less likely to require neonatal intensive care.
Improves safety for the baby
In an upright position, the patient is less likely to compress the aorta, supporting oxygen delivery to the baby and reducing the risk of hypoxia and acidosis.
Drawbacks of a birthing stool
Upright birth also has potential risks:
Greater chance of perineal tearing
Although the risk of severe tears is not significantly higher, perineal tears may be more common with upright birth.
Greater blood loss
Blood loss of 500 mL or more may be more common, although this may reflect differences in measurement accuracy.
How to use a birthing stool
During the first stage of labor, a birthing stool helps the patient remain upright during contractions and use gravity to help the baby descend. Many patients sit facing backward and lean on the chair back for comfort. This also allows a partner or doula to provide massage and counterpressure.
During the second stage, the stool provides stability in a deep squat and widens the pelvic outlet. Its design resembles sitting on a toilet, which may feel familiar and comfortable. The patient can remain upright and push during contractions, then lean against the backrest or a partner between contractions.
Guide | How the Traditional Birthing Stool Can Improve Modern Birth
Guide | How the Traditional Birthing Stool Can Improve Modern Birth
Labor is a major event in a woman's life, and birth position can strongly affect the process. Birthing stools, also called birthing chairs, have recently returned as labor aids and are offered by many birth centers and hospitals. They help patients remain upright, use gravity to support labor, and reduce unnecessary interventions. Below are their benefits, drawbacks, and use.
What is a birthing stool?
A birthing stool is a backless seat with an opening in the center so the birth attendant can receive the baby. A similar birthing chair has a backrest to support the patient during labor. Both have a long history, with birthing chairs recorded in Babylonian civilization as early as 2000 BC. Although bed-based delivery became standard with modern medicine, birthing stools have regained interest as a more natural option.
Benefits of a birthing stool
Giving birth upright on a birthing stool or chair may offer several benefits:
Supports a better birth position
An upright position reduces strain on the lower spine and widens the pelvic outlet. Gravity helps the baby move downward and may accelerate labor.
Reduces unnecessary interventions
Research suggests that upright labor can shorten the first stage by up to 80 minutes, reducing fatigue and anxiety. Patients who remain upright during the first stage may be less likely to need an epidural or cesarean delivery, and their babies may be less likely to require neonatal intensive care.
Improves safety for the baby
In an upright position, the patient is less likely to compress the aorta, supporting oxygen delivery to the baby and reducing the risk of hypoxia and acidosis.
Drawbacks of a birthing stool
Upright birth also has potential risks:
Greater chance of perineal tearing
Although the risk of severe tears is not significantly higher, perineal tears may be more common with upright birth.
Greater blood loss
Blood loss of 500 mL or more may be more common, although this may reflect differences in measurement accuracy.
How to use a birthing stool
During the first stage of labor, a birthing stool helps the patient remain upright during contractions and use gravity to help the baby descend. Many patients sit facing backward and lean on the chair back for comfort. This also allows a partner or doula to provide massage and counterpressure.
During the second stage, the stool provides stability in a deep squat and widens the pelvic outlet. Its design resembles sitting on a toilet, which may feel familiar and comfortable. The patient can remain upright and push during contractions, then lean against the backrest or a partner between contractions.
Source:
Compiled from online sources