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If you’re getting ready for labor and delivery, it’s helpful to learn about all the features available on your hospital’s birthing bed, which provide support while pushing. Hospital birthing beds differ from regular hospital beds. “For one, there are attachments for your legs,” said Jill Hechtman, M.D., an obstetrician-gynecologist at OB Hospitalists of Florida, part of Pediatrix® Medical Group. The beds are also equipped with labor grips, and a squat bar can be affixed. If you choose an epidural, Dr. Hechtman noted you can tie a sheet or towel to the squat bar and pull it for support while pushing. Other useful birthing props include birthing balls. “Some [birthing parents] feel like bouncing on the ball provides comfort while they’re laboring,” said Dr. Hechtman. She said the peanut ball, which is a birthing ball shaped like a peanut, is her favorite as it helps open the pelvis.
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