Belly Dance and Birth

My first birth was very long, in part because the baby's position was less than perfect, being both posterior and asynclitic. (See this excellent website for more info on optimal fetal positioning.)

Eventually it resolved after the midwife helped me to walk the stairs and swing my hips. Now, lookign back, I wonder if I would have avoided it altogether by being familiar belly dance. I have since studied belly dance, and according to others present, I used a lot of belly dance type moves in my subsequent births.

There are belly dance videos and classes available for pregnant moms. Just be careful to avoid sharp, sudden popping moves. Otherwise, this can be a wonderful prenatal exercise that helps you learn to control your pelvic muscles and might assist you in an active labor, to help ease your birth.

Check out this beautiful video of pregnant belly dancing!