Preparing for the optimal fetal position

Evidence-based guidance from 37 years of obstetric nursing experience to help achieve the best possible birth outcomes.

For the expecting
For providers
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ABOUT

The Guide

Gilligan’s Guide is an algorithm (a graphic chart that is easy to follow) which assists the pregnant person’s body to rotate their unborn infant into the optimal or best position for birth. We refer to this as “Maternal Positioning for Optimal Fetal Positioning”.

This evidence-based approach has been developed over 30 years of obstetric nursing experience and combines postural awareness, targeted exercises, and lifestyle adjustments to create the best conditions for a safer, more satisfying birth experience.

Learn more

How it Works

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Evidence Based

Grounded in 30 years of clinical obstetric experience and research

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Daily Practices

Simple, safe exercises and posture recommendations for 34 weeks and beyond

A hand-drawn diagram of a skull with labels indicating the jaw, teeth, and ear, with annotations pointing out specific features like 'OSA' and 'caput'.

Results Focused

Designed to achieve left occiput fetal position by term gestation in the primigravida

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Holistic Wellness

Promotes physical and mental wellbeing throughout pregnancy

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We’re Here to Help

Whether you're an expecting parent or a healthcare provider, we have resources designed specifically for you.

For the Expecting

Our goal is to help as many pregnant women as possible. The safety and effectiveness of our guide will create a path to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidities while promoting an improved and more satisfying psychosocial outcome for mothers and infants.

Learn more
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Personal Consultation Offerings

We offer initial consultations at 34 weeks as well as labor and delivery support in a doula role. Both are done online or in person with Ann Gilligan, RN, founder.

Book a consultation >

A printed guide titled "Gilligan's Guide" with sections on gestation, movements to avoid, and daily recommendations, on a wooden surface.

34-Week Homework

Our 34 week homework is a grouping of lifestyle suggestions and exercises that encourage the baby to get into the ideal position and engaged (0 station) for birth in the days before labor. This fetal positioning will then aid in the ripening of the cervical tissue and the preparedness of the fetus for birth.

Buy our homework >

Close-up of a printed guide titled "Gilligan's Guide," featuring sections on "BREECH" and other topics, with a logo and website URL at the bottom.

Breech Protocol

Our Breech Protocol is a safe and effective way to allow baby to turn from breech to cephalic (head down). If after 34 weeks pregnant and baby is still breech, we recommend using our protocol to enhance the space needed for this change in fetal presentation.

Buy our Breech Protocol

For Providers

If you are a member of the birth community; Physician, Nurse, CNM or doula, We would love to teach you personally, the anatomy and physiology behind Gilligan’s Guide so you can be an advocate and be part of the work we are doing to help as many pregnant women as possible.

Learn more
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Partnering w/ Institutions

Interested in training your staff on Gilligan’s Guide to be able to offer it in your institution? We want to train them!

Learn More >

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Licensing Homework

We want to help as many pregnant women as possible. We offer our 34-Week Homework as well as our Breech Protocol to be licensed to institutions.

Learn More >

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Training Calendar

Check out our training calendar so you can get trained in Gilligan’s Guide.

Sign up for a training >

Purple foam wedge with the text 'Pelvic Cradle' and a diagram of a pelvis printed on it.

The Pelvic Cradle

Enhance patient safety, improve efficiency and provide more comfort during exams and procedures—as well as achieve a sacrum-free birthing position.

Buy the Pelvic Cradle >

Every birthing experience is unique. We’re here to make yours, your own.

Curious about how we can work together but have more questions? Reach out to our team so we can help answer all of your questions.

Contact Us
A woman in medical scrubs wearing gloves and glasses tending to a newborn in a hospital bed.

RN, LNC, RPYT
30+ Years
Obstetric Nursing

ABOUT

Ann Marie Gilligan

With over 30 years of obstetric nursing experience, Ann Marie Gilligan has dedicated her career to helping pregnant people achieve optimal birth outcomes. Her innovative approach combines clinical expertise with evidence-based practices to guide babies into the ideal position for birth.

Ann's goal is to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidities while promoting improved and more satisfying psychosocial outcomes for mothers and infants through accessible, practical guidance.

RN, LNC, RPYT, SpB®AW, Evidence Based Birth® Instructor

Meet the team

What People Are Saying

Real stories from parents and providers who have experienced the benefits of Gilligan's Guide.

  • Now we have a beautiful baby in the NICU and she’s small but mighty! I really couldn’t have done this without you - you created such a calming and confident environment to bring her earth side. Love you and thank you 🤍

    -client Catherine

  • She did it! Over 60 hours since her first contractions and 12 hours since she went to the hospital. After texting you, I encouraged her to get up and move and they let her go in the tub and then she started actually making progress and he is here and everyone is safe. 100% unmedicated.

    -a sister to a pregnant person

  • The patient for the speculum (PROM) said “this was so much better” and even just visually watching both exams before cradle and after cradle it was night and day.

    -RN Katie

  • Pushing went great and he was in a perfect position by the time they checked me and I was +2, 10cm and 0 station! We really think it’s because I had my homework from you and did it diligently. Changed positions every 15 mins.

    -client Maggie

  • I have used the Guide 3 times in the last 3 days, all clients delivered vaginally. So empowering. All my coworkers are FIRM believers now.

    -RN Lauren

  • Wanting to share that in 100% of the last 7 births where I have used Gilligan’s Guide, mom was complete and +2 (and in al but one, had baby in her arms) within 7 hours of initially using the Guide. So thankful for you sharing your knowledge and being a resource.

    -doula Ali

  • "People were thrilled with the training! I’m so grateful that we had this opportunity to provide this for some of our doulas!"

    —Debbie

  • "Thank you so much for all your help yesterday and for helping get K. into a great position. You were so wonderful in the room, I wish we knew more people having babies so we could recommend your services. You have a real gift."

    —Stephanie

  • "I had a successsful VBAC! I was able to get her in the right position before getting an epidural and generally had a great experience."

    —Lauren

  • "We've got a little girl, born swiftly and safely at home... just 7 hours after contractions began! Thanks to you, she was already LOA when it all kicked off. Now the hard part begins..."

    —Bryn

  • "Delivery went very smoothly! Cannot thank you enough for all your wisdom and guidance to help us get here!"

    —Megan A.

  • "Thank you so much for everything today! Your insight and knowledge was felt throughout delivery even without you being there. You are truly a God send! Little guy and I are doing well bonding."

    —Chika C.

  • "Thank you so much Ann! I really cannot thank you enough for your guidance and support through this process. You have helped ease a lot of anxiety and made me feel as prepared as possible for this delivery! I can’t wait for you to meet this little baby!"

    —Mary G.

  • "Thanks Ann for sharing your experience and expertise. You truly have a gift to share. You were helpful to my niece Mary last August and are now working with my niece Catherine who is very grateful for you putting her at ease."

    —Mary H.

  • Hi Ann - we wanted to thank you for everything. Your calm presence and guidance made such a huge difference for us and we couldn’t have done it without you! Grateful for you and the incredible care you gave our family as we welcomed our new baby 🤍

    -husband Jared

  • Baby flipped!!! Thank you for your guidance 🙏 -client Melanie

    -client Melanie

  • Everyone is doing great!! We are so in love! She was in great position, pushing was very quick again but efficient and no tearing!!

    -client Hayley

  • Thank YOU for your incredible partnership, support, in person attention/direction/guidance. We are forever grateful for you and our experience together. So glad we could all work together, and along side Dr..... What an amazing journey and beautiful outcome.

    -client Katelyn

A woman in the bath post child birth with their partner giving them her a kiss on the forehead. The woman is holding her child in the bath.

Ready to Prepare for Birth the Evidence-Based Way?

Join thousands of parents and healthcare providers who trust Gilligan's Guide.

Resources for the Expecting
Resources for Providers