If you have good arm
and hand control, you
can use a birthing chair
like this. (For another
example, see Fatuma’s
story on page 242.)
With help, a
woman with some
leg control can
squat...
Labor and birth 241
Or you can use
a birthing chair
with arm and back
support, like this.
...or stand.
The person or object that supports you must be strong and balanced. You can also
hold onto the back of a chair. The squatting or standing positions can help bring the
baby down when the birth is slow, or if the mother is having trouble with pushing.
If you have some leg and arm
control, you may want to try
the hands-and-knees position.
This position sometimes also
helps prevent and control
muscle spasms.
If you have little or
no leg control, you
can lie on your side
while someone holds
your top leg, with
your legs bent...
....or straight.
If you are blind or have poor balance, you may feel safer lying on the floor. Most
hospital and health centers have special beds for women giving birth. These beds
have knee supports and can be useful for women with poor leg control.
A Health Handbook for Women with Disabilities 2007