Using the Lift Technique to Turn a Posterior Baby

The lift technique helps turn a posterior baby by raising the baby higher in the pelvis to allow more room to maneuver and rotate.  For full effect when using this maneuver, the aid of a birth companion is required.  The mother can attempt this maneuver alone but may find it too uncomfortable.

To perform this maneuver, the birth companion stands behind the mother and wraps his or her arms below the mother's belly, interlacing the fingers in front.  If the birth companion's hands won't meet, a blanket or rebozo can be used.  The birth companion would position the rebozo under the mother's belly and pull up on each side to raise her belly.

This technique is effective in that pulling the baby out of the pelvis allows more room for rotation.  It can also be an effective technique when the baby is in an anterior position but is tilted too much to one side.  This position also allows contractions to be more productive since gravity is aiding the labor progression.

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Page Last Modified by Catherine Beier, MS, CBE