Epidural and birth positions

[Mmmmcheese]

I really want an epidural due to previous traumatic birth (forceps and second degree tear with no pain relief at all) but I also want to avoid lying on my back to give birth. Is this possible? My hospital doesn't do mobile ones.

My ante-natal teacher has said that I should be able to kind of lie on all fours against the back of the raised bed to give birth but I"m worried that the hospital midwives will make me lie down the whole time.

Any ideas? I really can't go through it without an epidural but want to be able to get in the best position for birth and to avoid tearing.

I had an epidural with my first and was able to get into an all fours position on the bed as you describe. I had to have a lot of help to turn over from the midwife, but I managed it! I managed to sort of kneel up whilst leaning on the raised part of the bed.

That said, I ended up giving birth in a more or less sitting position, with the top of the bed still raised up, as I found it more comfortable (if there is any such thing as being 'comfortable' when pushing out a baby!!).

Good luck... I'm sure the midwife on the day will help you get in the best position you can

I had an epidural for both DCs, and with both I gave birth lying on my left side - I found it much easier to push that way. Both DCs came out after 15 mins of pushing (tiny tear with DC1 and none with DC2). Apparently sideways is better than on your back as the tip of your spine (coccyx) doesn't restrict the birth canal that way.

Thanks, that's reassuring. pink does that mean you had to kind of hold your leg up out to the side? Am having trouble imaging giving birth lying on my side!

Mmmmcheese yes you do have to hold your leg up (actually someone holds it for you as you have an epidural in and would be too tiring yourself even without one) :)

What I did was sit up/recline on the bed but with every push, I thrust down with my hands and lifted my hips up off the bed as best I could so that the whole area would be opened up.

Personally I couldn't cope with doing it on all fours, as for me one of the most magical moments is having your baby delivered straight onto your chest, but this seemed like a good compromise.