What position did you give birth in?
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Topic: What position did you give birth in?
Posted By: sem
Subject: What position did you give birth in?
Date Posted: 21 September 2010 at 10:05pm
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Just got back from AN class where we talked about different positions to give birth in, none of wich sounded particular appealing to me and it made me wonder what position you where in when giving birth and why. ------------- Here we go again, another baby on it's way! 
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Replies:
Posted By: fire_engine
Date Posted: 21 September 2010 at 10:07pm
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Flat on my back, legs in the stirrups. Cos I had an epidural and Dan was stuck and they were in a hurry to get him out.
I don't recommend it  ------------- Mum to two wee boys |
Posted By: sem
Date Posted: 21 September 2010 at 10:12pm
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Well funny you say this as that one was the position the group I was in had to explain and it was also the one that sounded least appealing to me! ------------- Here we go again, another baby on it's way!
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Posted By: tessie
Date Posted: 21 September 2010 at 10:14pm
| I was head down bum up trying to stop my son coming out in the car. I don't recommend it!! lol |
Posted By: TheKelly
Date Posted: 21 September 2010 at 10:35pm
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both times I was half lying half sitting ...I can't remember why I didn't really care tho, I just wanted them out ------------- 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Hopes
Date Posted: 21 September 2010 at 10:38pm
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Haha, Tessie, I can understand why that's not ideal!
I was on my back on the bed too... the way they don't recommend, since you haven't got gravity helping you, but I'd got up for an internal, was comfy (as comfy as you can get in labour!!) and couldn't see why I should move. It ended up being a good thing, he came too fast and I got quite a bit of tearing, being in a position with gravity helping would have only made that worse. -------------   
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Posted By: WestiesGirl
Date Posted: 21 September 2010 at 11:05pm
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I was sitting up on the bed. Which was the last place I wanted to give birth but it all happened so fast that thats where it happened. ------------- Our Angel July 08  Gone but not forgotten
And to complete our family, our princess has arrived 
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Posted By: Chickoin
Date Posted: 22 September 2010 at 12:14am
On my back because DD was a big baby and the MW needed the best 'view' to help her out. My back was so sore afterwards, I couldn't lift my baby for the first 2 weeks  I am not sure if it was the birthing position that caused the back issues, it probably didn't help that I was quite small before pregnancy and DD gave me a HUGE heavy belly for my poor back to support 
I think next time (if I have a choice) I would like to give birth on my knees while leaning over something. -------------   
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Posted By: kebakat
Date Posted: 22 September 2010 at 6:42am
| Same as Flissty, on my back legs in stirrups because I was being monitored |
Posted By: caraMel
Date Posted: 22 September 2010 at 7:01am
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Same as most, up on the bed on my back both times. First because she was posterior & a ventouse delivery. second because the cervical lip was in the way and mw was trying to move it.
Not what I'd hoped for either time but it really wasn't as bad as I'd thought it would be either! ------------- Mel, Mummy to E: 6, B: 4 and: 
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Posted By: MrsMojo
Date Posted: 22 September 2010 at 7:04am
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Both times I was sitting up while pushing and lying against the mattress (which was raised) for a rest inbetween contractions. I think the idea is that by sitting it reduces the space in your abdomen thereby helping to push the baby out. You can change positions if you find the one you've chosen doesn't work for you, 2nd time I started out on hands and knees but turned over because I found sitting far more comfortable. -------------  
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Posted By: mummyofprinces
Date Posted: 22 September 2010 at 8:15am
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I didnt get far enough along to say about pushing but for labouring I was either sitting on a swiss ball or standing and rocking pelvis... the bed was the last place I wanted to be but I can see that kneeling or sitting on the bed for pushing would be good... nice to be able to rest inbetween (if there is time for such a thing). -------------   
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Posted By: Hopes
Date Posted: 22 September 2010 at 8:20am
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It's interesting that most people that ended up on their back in bed seem to regret it a bit. It wasn't what I'd imagined (because I kind of figured making the best use of gravity was a good thing!!) but I could have moved if I wanted to (they asked me if I wanted to transfer to the pool for a water birth) but I didn't mind enough to want to move. -------------
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Posted By: fire_engine
Date Posted: 22 September 2010 at 8:36am
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I've found it really interesting reading about how pelvic outlet is smaller when you're lying on your back cos your pelvis and coccyx can't move - it makes a cm or 2 difference which is quite significant! It can also explain back problems post-birth as your coccyx can't move like it actually needs to when the baby is coming out.
There's a really good book I'm reading called "Active Birth". My copy is from the early 80's (real nice pics!) but it talks lots about the differerent positions and the benefits of moving in labour. The author recommends standing, supported squatting or being on all 4s for delivery; if things are going too quickly, being on all 4s with head down and bum up (oh dignity, where hast thou gone?) ------------- Mum to two wee boys |
Posted By: Bizzy
Date Posted: 22 September 2010 at 8:43am
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funnily enough though most midwives still deliver with you on your back! it is better for them, not the patient!
i was on my back with stirrups for my first - ventouse - on my back with my second but only cause the mw wanted to do an internal and when i got on the bed it took us all by surprise... ------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"> 
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Posted By: sem
Date Posted: 22 September 2010 at 8:47am
Thhanks Tessie, making a mental note not to go for that one either...lol! It makes sense with the backbone flissty, Nicola showed us a pelvis last night and yes, every cm counts by the look of things. For some reason I always thought most woman give birth lying/sitting on a bed but then last night thought maybe this was jsut an impression created by watching to much TV. After reading the replies it seems it is true though. ------------- Here we go again, another baby on it's way!
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tessie wrote:Posted By: Hopes
Date Posted: 22 September 2010 at 9:04am
Hahaha, too true! Although I would absolutely have tried that if I'd known it would help and I'd known I'd tear... the things you do. -------------
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Posted By: High9
Date Posted: 22 September 2010 at 9:07am
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I was reclined in bed but I had an epidural about 2 hours before pushing and whilst I could feel contractions, pushing and her crowning and being born, I couldn't feel anything from the knees down and the mw had one foot and dp had the other and I pushed off them iygwim... MW also got me to curl over my tummy to help pushing.
I know some people have stood up and I was open to whatever felt right at the time!  ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: first
Date Posted: 22 September 2010 at 9:14am
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I was crouching in the birthing pool but they removed the water as he was born due to him having hicups and not wanting him to breathe the water in or something. I was happy with where I delivered but would have liked to have been able to have given birth in the water.
Start the mantra to your baby now "no hicups during labour", they hurt. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://pregnancy.baby-gaga.com/"> 
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Posted By: myfullhouse
Date Posted: 22 September 2010 at 9:33am
Both times I was on the bed with the bed propped up so I was sitting at a 45 deg angle, does that male sense???? The first time because I never really thought to be in any other position. The 2nd time because we got to the hospital, got on the bed to be checked and I was 9cm and the birthing pool didn't have time to fill up  . I can't say that I regret it either time, although I would have liked to try a water birth------------- Lindsey 
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Posted By: kebakat
Date Posted: 22 September 2010 at 10:33am
I so hope I don't end up on my back again, I have another posterior bubs and I don't think its gonna change, doesn't even change when I'm swimming. But shes said I can hide under the sink in the bathroom if I really want to. So long as she has access she couldn't care less where or what position I give birth in  I don't wanna be on my back again as I needed an episotomy last time and I'd like to avoid it this time
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Posted By: fire_engine
Date Posted: 22 September 2010 at 10:46am
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Sounds like we have the same MW Stacey! My MW said she can do her checks pretty much whenever, whereever and I can just do what I need to do (though she'd prefer I wasn't sitting on the toilet!) ------------- Mum to two wee boys |
Posted By: Stogglebox
Date Posted: 22 September 2010 at 10:58am
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Pretty much all fours in a birthing pool... head came out facing up so quite weird for my hubby to see! ------------- Mother of Natsumi Sarah born on 23 January 2009 |
Posted By: HippyMama
Date Posted: 22 September 2010 at 10:59am
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DD1 I was sitting mostly upright in the birthing pool and had my legs pushed up against the sides a little, and braced my arms against the top ledge - the mw helped support her head before I pushed her body out then passed her straight up to me.
DD2 well, I started out labouring leaning over my bed with one leg folded under me and one leg over the side of the bed at a 90 deg angle propping me up - when I hit transition though I had the urge to suddenly kneel down on the floor (rather than go up fully onto the bed) with my arms on the edge of the bed, and DD2 was born onto the floor then I scooped her straight up myself. ------------- Mama to two earth walkers & two angels. Remember, you are not managing an inconvenience; You are raising a human being. ~ Kittie Franz Next Slingbabies! Meet - Friday 4th May !! |
Posted By: kebakat
Date Posted: 22 September 2010 at 11:01am
| lol Flissty - mine has said the toilet is fine if I really want to .. I'm hoping she can just use a doppler if she needs to do checks. Daniels heart rate decelerated with every contraction which is why I ended up on the bed strapped to the monitor. |
Posted By: freckle
Date Posted: 22 September 2010 at 11:40am
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both times I was on the bed half sitting half lying, with my feet on DF and the midwife ... I tried upright positions and absolutely hated it! It made me feel like I was gonna explode down there, it seemed more managable sitting on my butt ------------- mum to 3 lovely girls :D |
Posted By: happymumma
Date Posted: 22 September 2010 at 12:08pm
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First time I was on my knees leaning my arms against the sofa and second I was standing (though that was because I had no choice but to stop where I was and let her out because she was in such a hurry!). I got the impression that standing isn't quite so fabulous as a newborn can be slippery and so they have further to fall if someone fails to catch them but other than that I would highly recommend both (and if they are warned whoever is doing the catching presumably has pillows etc just in case baby needs somewhere to fall). Great from a gravity and pelvic space perspective. My understanding about more upright positions is that the baby isn't putting all their pressure on the nerves that go through your pelvis too - the one contraction I had on my back certainly hurt a whole pile worse than any other. |
Posted By: MrsMojo
Date Posted: 22 September 2010 at 12:19pm
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I came so close to having my 1st baby on the toilet. I was only 4cms when I got to hospital but a little over an hour later I was telling my midwife I wanted to push. She thought I was in transition and because I'd not been wees in nearly 8 hrs she convinced me to go to the toilet before she checked how far dilated I was. In the labour room ensuite with DH holding me I had several contractions and it was taking all my might and willpower not to let my body push. We went back into the room because I was sure if I didn't I'd have the baby in the toilet but before I got back up on the bed again I had another contraction, I was on my tippee toes squeezing my pelvic floor muscles together crying "I have to push, I can't not push" when the midwife looked between my legs and said "Jo, you can't push... you have to get on the bed. Your babies coming... she's brunette". -------------
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Posted By: fire_engine
Date Posted: 22 September 2010 at 1:23pm
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Apparently lots of babies are nearly born on the toilet cos the urge to push is so similar to the urge to poo. I remember when Dan was born I was convinced I needed to poo so got to sit on the loo for a few minutes (with an epi) - that was what made me "get" how I should push and I could feel him moving down. But then they marched me back to the bed and the CTG monitors and he didn't really move till they sucked him out. ------------- Mum to two wee boys |
Posted By: happymumma
Date Posted: 22 September 2010 at 1:26pm
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Stella was born standing right beside the toilet because I was convinced I needed to wee. Because I was only an hour into labour none of us had any inkling that it was her!! I had time to stand up, open the door and yell before she was out in one push. Very attractive with trackpants and knickers around the ankles |
Posted By: Vanillabean
Date Posted: 22 September 2010 at 1:38pm
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I didn't get to push but spent most of my time labouring standing and leaning against the wall or kneeling in the birthing pool. I had a lot of lower back pain and positions helped the most. ------------- 5x mc, Jan 08, June 08, Nov 08, May 09, April 11 http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: HippyMama
Date Posted: 22 September 2010 at 1:59pm
I very nearly didn't get mine off - there was less than a minute between my urge to get off the bed and kneel on the floor (during which I yelled for my midwife who was at the other end of the house) and me starting to push - I still had my pants on and because I was so focused I couldn't move to take them off myself, so had my mw and support person wrestle them off me just in time!  ------------- Mama to two earth walkers & two angels. Remember, you are not managing an inconvenience; You are raising a human being. ~ Kittie Franz Next Slingbabies! Meet - Friday 4th May !! |
Posted By: Shezamumof3
Date Posted: 22 September 2010 at 2:11pm
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I didnt push DS out as he was an emerg CS, I got to 9.5cm though.
I was mainly before I got my epidural, on my knees leaning over the back of the bed, they put the top right up for me. This was the only position I could handle as DS had turned into some awful position, we suspect posterior, so I was labouring all in my back and it was very very painful. That position allowed someone to rub my back for me. Once I got the epi I had to be on on my back with the ctg strapped to me. ------------- |
Posted By: MyLilSquishy
Date Posted: 22 September 2010 at 2:34pm
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on my back in the OR (elective CS for footling breech) lol. but had a water birth planned which would have been nice.
and i have to admit... i couple of these have made me giggle! |
Posted By: weegee
Date Posted: 22 September 2010 at 2:34pm
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J, was K born in the caul then? I got rid of my pants when my waters broke all over them (then stripped off totally cos it felt funny wearing anything on the top half lol).
Throughout labour with Addie I found lying on my back hurt more - did it briefly 3 times and hated it. Being upright was waaaay better (although yes, there was more pressure that way). Through the first stage I stayed as upright as possible and did lots of hip circles, both while standing up and on my knees (resting my arms on the couch at home or the side of the birth pool at the hospital) which helped with the pain and is supposed to help spiral the baby downwards to speed things up. Part of the reason the car trip was so uncomfortable was because I was having to be reclined towards my back but I hauled myself up on the handle above the door so was almost standing for the trip. The whole second stage I was basically on all fours - kneeling on the bed with the head of it elevated right up, resting my elbows and head on the end of it. Her head popped out that way but then her shoulders got stuck so I needed to flip over to do a manoeuvre to get her unstuck, so the rest of her was technically delivered while I was on my back. There's some really good physiological information about why it's a good idea to stay off your back http://www.withwoman.co.uk/contents/info/rhombus.html - here (Even if you already intend to stay off your back please do read that article as it would be really useful to know that stuff during labour!)------------- 
Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Posted By: Red
Date Posted: 22 September 2010 at 3:28pm
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Floating on my back in the birth pool with feet braced against end and DH holding me under shoulders, I found kneeling so much more intense. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Bexee
Date Posted: 22 September 2010 at 3:52pm
| I was on my knees leaning over the back of the bed - which was up. I didn't really think about it, nobody was expecting DS to arrive quite so quickly so we all thought we had hours to go when I felt him pop out - still in his bag of waters!! |
Posted By: BugTeeny
Date Posted: 22 September 2010 at 6:22pm
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With Hannah I laboured kneeling on a chair backwards then started pushing on my knees, leaning over the back of the propped up bed , but that wasn't very comfortable so I flipped onto my back, with the back of the bed at a 45 degree angle.
I had my feet planted right up under my bum (so knees were pointing at the ceiling) hands gripping the backs of my thighs. She came out after 34 mins of pushing, 1 degree tear. With Mason I laboured sitting in a chair, leaning forward. He was completely posterior, so I pushed on my back again, feet pushing against midwives hips, hands gripping the sheet on the bed
He came out in 13 minutes of pushing, no tearing. I intended to try hands and knees with Mason, due to his position, but it was way too uncomfortable. You'll find what works for you at the time. If it's comfortable (relatively speaking) go for it
------------- 
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Posted By: HippyMama
Date Posted: 22 September 2010 at 8:02pm
Good question - I think my waters broke as she was crowning, so not sure if that qualifies (I suspect not), but there was less than five minutes from transition to baby out so we were all in a bit of a flap! ------------- Mama to two earth walkers & two angels. Remember, you are not managing an inconvenience; You are raising a human being. ~ Kittie Franz Next Slingbabies! Meet - Friday 4th May !! |
Posted By: 4thtymlucky
Date Posted: 24 September 2010 at 5:58pm
| Standing up in the middle of the birth pool...I stood up to stretch my legs cos I could feel that I was cramping up but then got the urge to bear down and out came bubs:)...gravity helped as well...no tears no pain relief |
Posted By: RedHeadDuck
Date Posted: 24 September 2010 at 8:58pm
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I was born in the caul! My Mum sneezed. And I fell out. (ok, slight exaggeration, I was born on her second contraction).
But I was flat on my back, feet in stirrups, leaning forward over my belly as far as I could (seemed to help pushing). DS's heart rate was dropping to 52BPM with each contraction, and not recovering in between. They needed the best view cos they needed him out NOW and they had to get the vacuum cleaner (woops, I mean vontouse) on him.
Don't recommend it either TBH. But it was what needed to be done |
Posted By: Babe
Date Posted: 24 September 2010 at 11:18pm
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Didn't read all the posts but both times I had an epi and was semi-reclined in bed. I didn't care either -------------   
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Posted By: Keleho
Date Posted: 25 September 2010 at 9:07am
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I wanted to be in a birthing pool but ended up on my back with my legs being held up as I was being monitored and had an epidural by the time I was pushing.
Wasnt that bad but would have prefered to have been upright. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: shellgirl
Date Posted: 25 September 2010 at 12:23pm
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I was kneeling on the bed leaning on the end of it which had been tilted right up. I was being monitored too, but the midwife was fine with that position. At one stage I must have been crouching a bit low as she told me to lift myself a bit so there was room for him to come out! ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">  http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: Kalimirella
Date Posted: 25 September 2010 at 12:26pm
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Shellgirl I was same as you, up the head end of the bed kneeling over it. The midwife asked if I wanted to move and I was like Nah ah, me comfy not moving!!! As it was I was quite glad of the gravity helping, she was a big baby with FAT shoulders!!! (which is where I tore funnily enough lol) ------------- Kiara is 3 and Teagan is 2, now we're expecting our long awaited 3rd! http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: mybeautiful3
Date Posted: 25 September 2010 at 7:29pm
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weegee - Thank you so much for posting that link - I thoroughly enjoyed reading it - as a Birth Doula who provides support during labour - these are one of the more frequent questions that my clients ask me about - optimal positioning for 2nd stage ;)
The semi-sitting position provides the least amount of space in the pelvis...but is of coarse the most comfortable for the attending Maternity Carer ;) ------------- Just  my job as a Birth Doula!
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Posted By: bebebaby
Date Posted: 26 September 2010 at 8:45pm
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I had my boy standing up, leaning over on the bed. Well gripping onto the sheets/mums hands to get a brace to push. I HATED lying down. I had a couple of internals, and wow it hurt soo much to lie down, esp with a contraction. I had to get up.
Oh and my mw was 25 wks pg, and never complained once about checking me standing up. You'll find whats comfortable for you and your labour. And if its on the bed due to medical reasons, don't worry. All that counts if having your baby in your arms. ------------- http://alterna-tickers.com"> 
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Posted By: MamaT
Date Posted: 29 September 2010 at 10:42am
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I gave birth laying down in theatre with my feet in stirrups (ventouse). But, I laboured in the pool on all fours rocking backwards and forwards for the most part. I pretty much changed positions as much as possible until I could find something that felt comfortable (well, as comfortable as can be). I think you will just find something that feels the best for you at the time, it may not be what you thought you'd do but if it works just go with it. -------------  
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Posted By: Delli
Date Posted: 29 September 2010 at 3:03pm
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On my hands and knees on the bed. With each push though I would sit back on my legs (but still have my hands on the bed), cutting off circulation and making my feet go purple!
Midwife kept having to make me get back up off them so blood could flow to my feet and so she could reach through to my belly to monitor Jude. Lol. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: babybrain
Date Posted: 29 September 2010 at 9:39pm
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Took in my swiss ball hopefull i would be on all fours... and be able to do rocking etc.
ended up on my back, legs in stirrups as needed epi and forceps and suction- Charly was posterior so not ideal :o( ------------- http://lilypie.com">  
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