Hi Minions! Both my boys were back to back, so here's my longwinded as usual summing up:
DS1: waters broke 2 days before labour. All contraction pains (even from very start) in my lower back, nothing at front. Later stages of labour felt very much as if I was shitting an elephant. He turned around just before delivery, so came out the right way round.
Crowning was a breeze compared to contractions. Stood throughout labour, leaning fwd on bed on elbows.
Gas & air only, got to asking about epidural and was found to be fully dilated - having the end in sight enabled me to carry on with G&A. I'd say my Hypnobirthing practise definitely helped, I did 'breathe him down'.
All this said, he was born at 36+0 and had a teeny tiny head!
DS2: Contraction pains started in front, moving to the back later on. Got into birthing pool around 5/7cm dil (can't remember already!), the warmth of the water definitely helped, my waters went while in pool.
Same as with DS1, I asked about epidural around the time things got serious! Managed to do the whole thing on G&A again, but hadn't done any Hypnobirthing practise this time and really found DH helpful in managing my breathing.
DS2 came out face up, so widest bit first. Crowning was a lot harder this time, and took ages, he went back up a couple of times.
Both times I had a 2nd degree tear in a 'good' place, no probs healing.
The midwife this time told me after that if I had had an epidural I would almost certainly have had an instrumental delivery - she said its nigh on impossible to push out a back to back baby if you have no sensation left.
I hope all that's helpful rather than just TMI! :)