A birthing stool, also known as a birthing chair, is specialized furniture designed to support a birthing person in an upright position during labor and delivery. Its purpose is to leverage gravity and optimize the birthing process, offering an alternative to traditional supine (lying on the back) positions. This allows for comfort and an open, supported posture throughout labor.
Understanding a Birthing Stool
A birthing stool features a low-to-the-ground seat, typically 8 to 10 inches (20-25 cm) high, with a central opening. This design allows the baby to be born while the birthing person remains seated. Some stools are backless, while others, known as birthing chairs, include a backrest and sometimes armrests for support during contractions.
Stools are constructed from various materials, including wood, fiberglass, or durable plastics like polyethylene; some modern versions are inflatable. Historical records show their use across many cultures, dating back to ancient Babylon and Egypt. Their use declined in Western cultures with medicalized childbirth but has seen a resurgence due to renewed interest in upright birthing positions.
Benefits of Using a Birthing Stool
A birthing stool offers several advantages by harnessing gravity. An upright position allows gravity to assist the baby’s descent through the birth canal. This can lead to more efficient uterine contractions and better alignment of the fetus within the pelvis.
Remaining upright can also help open the pelvic outlet, potentially increasing its diameter. This wider pelvic opening can facilitate the baby’s passage, potentially shortening the second stage of labor.
Beyond physiological benefits, a birthing stool can enhance the birthing person’s comfort and sense of control. The ability to change positions, lean forward, or brace feet against the ground can alleviate back pressure and provide stability. This active participation may reduce the need for medical interventions. Upright positions also promote better blood circulation to the pelvic area, which can reduce the risk of fetal distress and may lead to less perineal trauma.
Important Considerations for Birthing Stool Use
While birthing stools offer many benefits, their use requires careful consideration and discussion with a healthcare provider. Certain medical conditions or fetal positioning issues might make a birthing stool less suitable. For instance, certain fetal positions or a large baby might increase the chance of a perineal tear.
Individuals planning to receive certain pain medications, such as an epidural, may not be able to use a birthing stool, as these medications often limit mobility. It is important to confirm the availability of birthing stools in different birth settings, including hospitals, birth centers, or for planned home births, as their presence can vary. Professional guidance is recommended to determine the safest and most appropriate birthing positions.