The Epicurl

Might sound like a funny name but we (us birthy chics at www.TranquilSeasons.com Doulas in San Antonio) made it up based on the position and the fact that we use it with moms to curl into a happy C shape and stabilize them while laboring with an epidural.

Now keep in mind, changing positions every 45 minutes a least is very important for progression. Side lying with top leg up and over (with hip and shoulder behind) is another great one to use as long as you have plenty of pillows *grin*

Show you that one another time!!

But obviously, using gravity is best. However it can be tricky!!  When you can't feel your legs or help balance yourself on a yoga ball (because of an epidural) this position, the Epicurl, might just save the day. 

Here's how you make the magic happen:

1. Move bed into throne position. 

Head of bed up, foot of bed down at least 6 inches, depending on how comfy mom is, lower for less flexible mommies. 

2. Have her sit with foot soles together so her legs make a diamond shape. 

3. Here's the most important part: get her bun-cheeks open and tailbone behind her and open those hips wide so she's sitting in a very wide open pelvic stance.

4. Putting a rolled blanket in the small of her back or lower can help wonders with maintaining this position comfortably. 

5. Place the yoga ball in the diamond of her legs. Put a sheet over the ball and maybe a pillow so she can rest comfortably leaning forward. She can hug the ball or just put her arms over the top. If you're finding the ball wants to roll away, roll up a towel and wedge it in front of ball to keep it where you want it.  I've even had moms fall asleep like this. (Nailed it!)

6. Bolster her in with extra pillows where needed, under knees/thighs, like Tasha has in the pic or more behind back, but try to keep her leaning forward. 

7. Don't forget to put the bed rails up. They can help wedge pillows or just give the staff a greater sense of safety - which can help them trust your crazy positioning techniques more ;-)

Labor here for 45 mins or so. Then change position. You can return to this position as often as you want, just remember to change it up. We haven't had to change too many times with moms cause they tend to dilate quickly like this. So keep an ear out for the "I feel pressure/pushy" cues. :)

For those of you like me, who need a visual, my client Tasha (who is all about education) was gracious and let me snap a pic to show others. She pushed out a gorgeous baby girl just a few hours after this was taken. 

Thanks, Mama!

Hope this helps some laboring mamas out there  :)

Don't forget to read some of our other posts, like the Sneaky Psychology of Birth.

Blessings,

Anne

www.TranquilSeasons.com