Preparing for Birth with Optimal Maternal Positioning (OMP)

There is often a lot of focus during pregnancy on the position of your baby – but the way your own body moves, aligns and creates space can also play an important role in preparing for labour and birth.

Optimal Maternal Positioning (OMP) is an evidence-informed approach to preparing the body for pregnancy, birth and recovery. Rather than focusing only on where baby is positioned, OMP looks at how movement, posture, pelvic mobility and different maternal positions can support the natural mechanics of labour.

What are OMP programs?

OMP programs give parents practical education and techniques they can use throughout pregnancy and take with them into labour.

Depending on the program and practitioner, this may include exercises, stretches, movement, labour and birth positions, massage and pressure techniques. These tools are designed to support mobility within the pelvis and help create space for baby to navigate through the pelvis during labour and birth.

An OMP program can help you:

• Understand how positioning and movement can support labour

• Explore ways to create space and mobility within the pelvis

• Learn practical positions and techniques to use during pregnancy and birth

• Reduce unnecessary tension and discomfort

• Build a toolkit of techniques you and your support person can use

• Feel more prepared and confident heading into labour

It’s not just about baby’s position

Babies naturally move through many different positions during pregnancy, with their movement becoming more limited as they grow.

While optimal foetal positioning is often discussed when preparing for birth, OMP also considers the mother's body. The focus is on how maternal movement, positioning and pelvic mobility may help create a smoother pathway for baby during labour.

Interested in an OMP program?

While Embrace Midwifery Services does not currently offer OMP programs, there are practitioners who specialise in OMP and can provide education and guidance. 

If OMP sounds like something you'd like to include in your birth preparation, have a chat with your Embrace midwife. We can help you explore your options and connect you with other practitioners who offer OMP programs.

At Embrace, we believe birth preparation is about giving you knowledge, practical tools and access to the right support so you can approach your birth feeling informed and confident.