Anyone used a birthing chair?

[crabwoman]

Just the above really. Had my 28 week check today and I was discussing the new midwife led unit they have built at my local hospital. Was enquiring about the birthing pools, and my midwife told me they have now got a new birthing chair.
Quite intrigued and was wondering if anyone has used one, and what their opinions were compared to birthing pools?
Will be visiting MLU soon to have a look try .

[quoteunquote]

well they are totally different things so I am not sure why the midwife thought they compare,

ignore the bed, bad idea to lie down,

get them to put mats on the floor, crouch with your elbows on the bed, a ball and a bean bag behind will be useful, by far the best none birthing pool position, it worked for me.

[Nayz]

Just wondering if anyone has used the birthing chair and how they found it? This is my first pregnancy and I was keen all along to have a water birth if possible, but I am keen on an "active birth" and the squatting position is the best apparently. The chair seems to be a good idea now?

Thank you!

[callamia]

I started off in a pool and gave birth on a birthing stool - are the the same thing? Anyway, it allowed good positioning and my husband was able to be really useful by being there for me to lean on (and squeeze). I'd be happy to use this again.

[minipie]

I have read that birthing chairs increase the risk of tearing - however it may be they've come up with a new design which doesn't. I'd want to ask some questions about that though.

You probably know this but do bear in mind that a lot of different factors may rule out water birth and even different positions. In particular if they need to monitor the babys heartbeat for any reason it may be hard for you to move around (was the case for me).

[ikeaismylocal]

I gave birth on a birthing stool, it was great, dp sat behind me, the midwife and nurse sat on the floor. Dp was holding me up and when I was pushing he held me tight, it seemed to give me extra energy to push.

Ds was born in 2 pushes and he was 10 pounds.

I hope to use a birthing stool again next time :)

[weebairn]

Not a birthing chair as such, but I did much of my labour sitting backwards on one of my normal chairs. The midwives said it was a really good position and I laboured best there. It scared me a little as the contractions were very powerful like that, so I did some time on my hands and knees as well which wasn't as intense.

I gave birth half squatting/half lying back on DP (he was shattered too!)

Next time I want to stay in the pool though.