In today's world, technology often overshadows our natural abilities. But did you know that you can determine your baby's position without the use of any machines? It's time to tap into the instincts that God has gifted you with and learn about belly mapping—a simple yet empowering way to connect with your unborn child.

Have you ever had a healthcare provider feel around on your belly to find your baby's position? This manual technique, known as the Leopold Maneuver, is often used before listening to the baby's heart rate, as it helps determine the best position for it. But, here's the deal—you can also perform a form of this technique at home, trusting your instincts to find your baby's position, without any specialized training or equipment.

God provided you with knowledge and instincts that no machine or test can replicate. You don’t need an expensive ultrasound to know if your baby is head down; a little intuition and the right guidance can be enough.
​This blog will guide you in what some call “belly mapping,” or as I like to put it, trusting your instincts. You may want to grab a piece of paper and a pen as we embark on this journey.

Step 1: Draw Your Map
​Start by drawing a circle on a piece of paper. Picture your belly as this circle. Now, add crosshairs: a vertical line from top to bottom and a horizontal line from side to side. Label the top of the circle "Fundus" for the top of your uterus. Write "Left" on the right-hand side and "Right" on the left-hand side, as if you’re looking in a mirror.

Step 2: Find a Comfortable Position
Lay down comfortably slightly tilted to the left, with a pillow under your knees to relax your muscles and ligaments. If lying flat is uncomfortable, use a pillow under one side to tilt yourself, for better comfort and circulation.

Step 3: Use Your Hands
Using the pads of your fingers, gently feel around the outside of your belly along your “map.” Feel from the top to the sides and down to your pubic bone to locate your baby's position. Are there areas that feel firm or soft?

Step 4: Visualize Your Baby
Throughout this process, picture your baby. Often, one side of your belly will be firmer where the baby's back is situated. The opposite side will likely yield kicks and movements from hands and knees.

Step 5: Identifying the Head and Bottom
Using the same gentle cupping motion with your hand, find a large firm bulge at one end of the back—it might be the head or bottom. Wiggle it side to side; if it moves as one with the spine, it’s likely the bottom.

Step 6: Find Hands and Feet
Notice where stronger kicks are felt. These are usually feet. Smaller wiggles are often hands, which will be near the baby's head. Understanding the anatomy and mapping this on your paper will bring the picture together.

Step 7: Document Your Findings
Write down what you’ve discovered. Use words or sketch a simple drawing to mark the position of the head, back, kicks, and wiggles.

Step 8: Need Help Visualizing?
If you're a visual learner, use a baby doll or picture to help understand where each part of your baby is as you map it out on your drawing.

Step 9: Practice and Revisit
Like any skill, practice makes perfect. The more you engage in belly mapping, the more familiar you will become with your baby's position and movements.

You now possess a valuable skill, connecting you more deeply to your baby. You have the ability to identify your baby's position, a skill that some practitioners may overlook or bypass with technology. Trust these instincts that God has given you, and if you know another expectant mother, share this knowledge with her. Building her confidence by relying on her instincts is a gift that extends beyond just mapping her belly.
For more guidance and support through your pregnancy journey, join our Facebook group—it's a supportive community of like-minded mamas entrusting their births to God. Share your experiences and maps, and let’s grow together in this beautiful journey of life.
​If you found this guide beneficial, a quick review on Apple Podcasts helps spread the word and reach more mothers seeking to rely on God and natural methods for their pregnancies. Let's help each other reclaim and trust our natural instincts.