Birth Stools are not a magic bullet. Instead, they are another tool that can assist a midwife or other practitioner in managing labor. They can be used specifically during 2nd stage (pushing) to aid in delivery.
Birth Stools are also an option that may be chosen by the laboring mother. Have you ever had one of those moms who won’t get off the toilet? Many laboring women find Birth Stools extremely comfortable and prefer to sit on them during contractions.
Regardless of when or how you use the Birth Stool in labour, remember the following:
DO NOT allow the mom to park herself on the birth stool continuously.
First Stage: Birth Stools are most effective when used spontaneously during 1st stage, when required, with lots of movement and walking in between contractions. They are a great place to rest, while still using gravity to aid in labor.
Second Stage: Do not allow mom to push continuously in one position for entire pushing stage. Have her shift and change position to avoid overly straining her perineum.
Always be ready to support her pelvic floor and ease the baby’s head out whenever mom pushes in an upright posture. Use warm compresses, oil and perineal massage to aid her perineum as it stretches.
If you observe any tearing or bleeding after delivery, move mom to a bed and have her lie on her back so that you may properly assess and locate any bleeding. In an upright posture, a tear may appear much larger than it is.
I love Birth Stools, have found them highly effective and think the more options you can offer, the more choices women have.
You'll find birth stools available for purchase here: http://www.birthwares.com/birthstools.html
