Podcast Episode 9: The Birthing Edition
Episode Number 9: The Birthing Edition with Clare Pacey
The third part in our series with Pelvic health physiotherapist Clare Pacey.
In this episode we talk with Clare about the options and choices you may be faced with during your labour and what you should know about all of them, as well as what you may like to ask!
We also talk about doulas and how they can help, as well as how what you do before your birth can also play a role.
What Our Experts Say
One of the most valuable messages from this episode is that preparing for birth is not about trying to control every detail. It is about understanding your options, knowing which questions you may want to ask and feeling confident enough to adapt when circumstances change. Pilates during pregnancy can support this preparation by helping someone maintain strength, explore comfortable positions and develop greater awareness of their breathing and movement.
Key Takeaways
- Understanding your options can help you feel more prepared – Learning about the different choices you may face during labour can make it easier to ask questions and take part in decisions about your care.
- Birth preferences should remain flexible – It can be helpful to think about how you would like your labour and birth to be managed, while recognising that plans may need to change depending on your needs and those of your baby.
- Asking questions is an important part of maternity care – Understanding why an intervention has been recommended, what the alternatives are and what may happen next can help you make more informed choices.
- A doula can provide additional support – Doulas can offer practical, emotional and informational support before and during birth, working alongside rather than replacing the maternity team.
- Preparation before labour may influence your experience – Learning about birth, discussing your preferences and preparing your body and mind may help you approach labour with greater confidence.
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FAQs
1. What should I include in a birth plan?
A birth plan can record preferences such as where you would like to give birth, who you want with you, preferred labour positions, pain-relief options, skin-to-skin contact and how you would like to feed your baby. It should be discussed with your midwife and treated as a guide rather than a fixed set of instructions.
2. What pain relief is available during labour?
Options may include breathing and relaxation techniques, movement, massage, water, gas and air, pain-relieving injections, remifentanil and an epidural. Availability can vary depending on where you give birth, so it is useful to discuss your preferences and local options with your maternity team beforehand.
3. What does a doula do during labour?
A doula provides continuous non-medical support, which may include reassurance, helping you communicate your preferences, suggesting comfort measures and supporting your birth partner. They do not replace a midwife or doctor and do not make clinical decisions.
4. What happens if my labour needs to be induced?
Induction means labour is started artificially, commonly because the pregnancy is overdue, the waters have broken without labour beginning or there is a health concern affecting you or your baby. Methods can include hormones, a balloon catheter, breaking the waters or an intravenous hormone drip. Your maternity team should explain why induction is being suggested and discuss the benefits, risks and alternatives with you.
5. Which positions can I use during labour and birth?
You may be able to walk, kneel, stand, sit, lie on your side, squat or use an all-fours position, depending on what feels comfortable and any monitoring or medical support you require. Trying different positions before labour can help you understand what feels most natural for your body.
Feeling Inspired?
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Our physiotherapist-led Pilates studio in Chelsea, our Angel Pilates studio, our Pilates studio in City, and our Norfolk Pilates studio in East Anglia, offer a highly tailored approach to your Pilates training. Whether your goal is to manage a health condition, rehabilitate from an injury or to improve your strength and fitness, Complete Pilates is the studio for you.
Education is Key
These blogs are designed to give information to everyone, however, it is important to remember that everyone is different! If you have not seen one of our therapists and have any questions about injuries, what you have read or whether this may be useful to you, please just ask. We are more than happy to help anyone and point you in the right direction. Our biggest belief is that education is key. The more you understand about your injury, illness and movement, the more you are likely to improve.
If you are not sure whether this is for you, simply get in touch. We are here to help!
Published 4 Dec 2020 · Updated 5 Aug 2026