Should I Buy a Birthing Chair? A Guide to Making the Right Choice for Labour.

Bringing new life into the world is a monumental experience, and every expectant mum wants to feel as comfortable and supported as possible during labour. When considering comfort during labour, you may come across various tools and aids designed to help ease the birthing process. One such option is the birthing chair, an item that promises to help mothers find more comfortable and effective positions during labour. But is investing in a birthing chair really worth it? Should you make it part of your antenatal shopping list? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what a birthing chair is, its pros and cons, how it fits into antenatal care, and alternative ways to prepare for labour. We’ll also delve into how practices such as antenatal yoga, antenatal massage, and attending antenatal classes near you can support your journey toward a positive birth experience.

What is a Birthing Chair?

A birthing chair is a specially designed seat that allows a pregnant woman to sit in an upright, supported position during labour and delivery. Its design encourages an open pelvic posture, which can potentially aid in the baby’s descent into the birth canal. Birthing chairs have been used for centuries in various forms and were historically the most common way for women to give birth. The modern versions typically have a low, rounded seat with an open middle, allowing more freedom of movement and facilitating upright positions during labour.

Benefits of a Birthing Chair

1. Upright Positioning: Using a birthing chair promotes an upright position, which is thought to be beneficial during labour. This position uses gravity to encourage the baby’s downward movement, which can potentially help speed up the labour process.
2. Comfort and Support: Some women find that the sitting position on a birthing chair is more comfortable during contractions. The chair provides support to the lower back and pelvis, which can relieve some of the strain during active labour.
3. Increased Pelvic Opening: The design of the chair naturally opens the pelvis, making it easier for the baby to move through the birth canal. This can help reduce the need for medical interventions, such as forceps or vacuum extraction.
4. Freedom of Movement: Birthing chairs often have open or adjustable designs, which allow mothers to easily shift positions, lean forward, or squat. This flexibility can be helpful in finding the most comfortable and effective positions during labour.
5. Partner Support: Birthing chairs allow space for a birth partner or doula to offer physical support, such as massaging your back or helping you change positions, ensuring that you feel well-supported throughout the process.

Are There Any Downsides to Using a Birthing Chair?

While a birthing chair may seem like an appealing option, it’s not without its potential drawbacks. Some women may not find them comfortable, and others might not benefit from the upright position during labour. It’s essential to consider your personal preferences, health, and birth plan when deciding whether a birthing chair is right for you.

Potential Cons of a Birthing Chair

1. Not Suitable for All Births: If you have certain medical conditions or complications, such as high blood pressure or a breech baby, the use of a birthing chair might not be recommended. Always consult your healthcare provider or antenatal clinic about the best positions and tools for your individual circumstances.
2. Limited Movement: While a birthing chair offers some flexibility, it may not provide the full range of movement that other methods, such as water birth or using a birthing ball, might offer. Some women may prefer to move around more freely, changing positions as needed.
3. Cost and Space: Purchasing a birthing chair for home use can be an additional expense, and it may take up space if you’re planning a home birth. If you’re giving birth in a hospital or birthing centre, they may already have birthing chairs available, so it’s worth checking with your antenatal appointments before making a purchase.

Should You Buy a Birthing Chair?

Deciding whether or not to invest in a birthing chair ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and birth plan. Here are some factors to consider before making a decision:

1. Your Birth Environment: If you’re planning a home birth, a birthing chair may provide comfort and flexibility. However, if you’re delivering in a hospital or birthing centre, check if they already provide birthing chairs or other support equipment. You can discuss these options during your pregnancy clinic visits or antenatal checkups.
2. Your Birth Plan: Consider whether you envision staying upright during labour. If you’re interested in an active birth, where you’ll be moving around and trying different positions, a birthing chair might be a useful tool. On the other hand, if you prefer to lie down or plan to use other tools like a birthing ball, you might not need a chair.
3. Antenatal Care and Preparation: Attending antenatal classes near you can help you explore different birthing positions and tools. Your instructor can offer insights into whether a birthing chair could complement your antenatal fitness routine, which may include exercises like prenatal yoga that help prepare your body for labour.
4. Comfort and Relaxation: Consider your overall comfort level. If sitting upright feels natural and relieves pressure on your back and hips, a birthing chair could enhance your comfort during labour. However, you might find similar comfort through other methods like antenatal massage or utilising a birthing ball.

Alternatives to a Birthing Chair

If you’re unsure whether a birthing chair is the right choice for you, there are several alternative methods to support comfort and effective positioning during labour:

1. Birthing Ball

A birthing ball, also known as a gym ball or Swiss ball, is another popular tool for labour. Sitting on a birthing ball allows for gentle rocking and movement, which can relieve pressure on the lower back and pelvis. Many women find it helpful to bounce or rock on the ball during contractions to ease discomfort and encourage the baby’s movement into the birth canal.

2. Water Birth

Water birth is an alternative method that many women find incredibly soothing. The buoyancy of the water can relieve pressure on the body and provide a sense of calm during labour. Many hospitals and birthing centres offer the option of labouring in a pool, or you may consider renting a birthing pool for a home birth.

3. Prenatal Yoga

Incorporating yoga for pregnancy into your antenatal care routine can help prepare your body for labour by increasing flexibility and strengthening the muscles needed for delivery. Specific yoga poses, such as squats and hip openers, can mimic the effects of a birthing chair by encouraging an open pelvic posture. Practising prenatal yoga regularly can also help you stay calm and focused during labour.

4. Antenatal Massage

While not directly related to positioning during labour, antenatal massage can be an excellent way to reduce tension and discomfort in the later stages of pregnancy. A prenatal massage therapist can work on areas of tension, such as the lower back and hips, to promote relaxation and relieve stress before labour. Regular massages may help you feel more prepared and at ease as your due date approaches, complementing other tools like a birthing chair.

The Role of Antenatal Care in Birth Preparation

Regardless of whether you choose to buy a birthing chair, maintaining a well-rounded antenatal care routine is essential for preparing both your body and mind for labour. Attending regular antenatal appointments, staying active through antenatal fitness, and taking advantage of pregnancy care practices like antenatal massage can all contribute to a smoother birth experience. If you’re considering purchasing a birthing chair, it’s a good idea to discuss your options with your healthcare provider during your antenatal checkups. They can offer advice on whether a birthing chair is appropriate for your situation and suggest other tools or techniques that may benefit you during labour.

Conclusion: Is a Birthing Chair Right for You?

In the end, the decision to buy a birthing chair is a personal one. For some expectant mums, a birthing chair may offer comfort, support, and the ability to remain upright during labour. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Considering your birth plan, personal preferences, and the tools available at your birthing location will help guide your decision. Whether you opt for a birthing chair or prefer other alternatives like a birthing ball, water birth, or prenatal yoga, the most important thing is that you feel prepared and supported throughout the process. Your antenatal care routine, from attending antenatal classes near you to exploring pregnancy massage benefits, can help you approach labour with confidence and peace of mind.