The lithotomy position (on your back, knees up) is the most common pushing position… and one of the least pelvic-floor-friendly. Gravity works against you. Your tailbone can’t move. And your pelvic outlet narrows. Birth doesn’t have to be this way. 👉 Side-lying, hands-and-knees, and supported squats all open the pelvis and protect the pelvic floor. What pushing position did YOU use? | Marcy Crouch, PT, DPT, WCS

No, lithotomy position does not protect the perineum. Here’s why: ⬇️⬇️⬇️ 🚫You’re literally sitting on your baby’s head! 🚫Your uterus has to push baby UPHILL past the pubic bone. 🚫Holding your breath to push tightens the vaginal muscles around baby’s head. 🚫If baby has not rotated yet, you are pushing a flexed baby (babies are born in extension, not flexion). 🚫It’s damaging to your pelvic floor. 🚫It’s more likely to cause swelling and severe tearing 🚫It’s more likely to lead to fetal distr