Oakworks Sidelying Bolster System
For me, there are 3 main considerations guiding my use of any equipment or techniques with my clients: safety, comfort and efficacy. While there are advaneforum.xxxes and disadvaneforum.xxxes to every positioning method mentioned, I have found that the advaneforum.xxxes of the Oakworks Sidelying Positioning System (SLP) in the above categories clearly outweigh a few disadvaneforum.xxxes. For this reason, the Oakworks system is my choice when I work with pregnant clients, and for anyone for whom sidelying is the best position.
A few details: For prenatal work, sidelying positioning is probably safer (no increase in intrauterine pressure when I get to therapeutic depth in lumbar and pelvic structures; maximizes maternal cardiac function and fetal oxygenation), usually more comfortable (no strain to sacrouterine or other uterine ligaments; no sinus congestion build up; tender breasts aren't compressed; and women often prefer not to lie on their babies), and more effective (excellent access to pectoral and pelvic girdle especially for mobilizations; psychologically comforts and soothes; and improves communication between client and therapist) as compared to prone positioning, regardless of what equipment used. So, for me, I just won't be using prone positioning regardless of the equipment.
I used and endorsed the bodyCushion enthusiastically for sidelying for many years. Sometimes I still use it, but I find more of my clients to be more comfortable and secure on the Oakworks system in several ways. Because the SLP is designed first and foremost for sidelying, every body area fits better on this system, especially the breasts (the corner of the bodyCushion poking into the breast was a constant complaint of women) and the neck (that cut-out in the SLP head cushion snugs under the cervical spine so well; add a small pillow if it needs to be higher, substitute a lower pillow for it if it is too high for some).The torso cushion has sections of firm and memory foam to make a soft yet secure support to hold her on her side. First, check that she is in the CENTER of the torso cushion, not off to one side or on a diagonal to maximize two foams' benefits. It takes a few minutes for the foam to respond so wait to see how she settles in before readjusting if needed. Some are more comfortable with the torso cushion closer or farther from the axilla; experiment.
All that said, some women are more comfortable on plain pillows. If so, provided I can keep her safely on her side, I just use pillows. The main safety, comfort and efficacy disadvaneforum.xxxes with pillows is you will very likely have to adjust, rearrange, add, and adapt several times as your session proceeds and the pillows flatten under pressure.
Prenatal positioning is a favorite topic of mine, about which I have decades of experience, have done lots of research and experimenting, and teach extensively. I am honored that I was able to share my perspective with Oakworks as they designed the SLP. I could go on and on, but instead will invite further discussion.