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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

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Original poster

Positions for labour?

28 replies

Stargazing · 17/08/2006 11:19

Any advice anyone? everyone keeps saying "active birth" to me but I don't really know what they mean - does anyone actually have babies lying down anymore? What sort of positions should I try? Whats worked for you? Am trying to drum some ideas into my head because am sure they will all go flying out the minute it starts!! Would love the benefit of your experience...thx

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Bugsy2 · 17/08/2006 11:22

With my second, I got on to my hands and knees with the pillows stuffed under my bump & held on to the bed rail. I got into it instinctively, without any guidance from anyone & I felt comfortable like that.

hunkermunker · 17/08/2006 11:24

I had DS1 in a supported squat in the birthing pool and DS2 on all fours on the bed. Found the bed more comfortable and a better delivery position, surprisingly!

Just keep upright as much as you can, circle your hips, walk around, etc. You can be upright and mobile even on a monitor.

purpleturtle · 17/08/2006 11:27

I find that I just can't face moving around when in labour. I sit on a birthing ball, so hips can be moved about a bit, and lean forward onto a stool or arm of the sofa or something. Then I put my head down and get on with it!

rubles · 17/08/2006 11:43

I think the point of it is that you do what you feel like and not what you are told to do or think you ought to be doing. I remember being in various positions for the pushing stage, but I was in a pool which made it easier to move otherwise I was like purpleturtle and didn't really want to move.
I think that the 'down on one knee' was a good delivery position for me, but for the rest of the time on all fours/head leaning on something felt best.

But you might want to be lying on your back, you never know - I think you just have to listen to your body - go with the flow.

Dorisdaisy · 17/08/2006 11:44

Had dd laying down on bed -as i was told to! DS in a birthing chair much more comfortable and easyier! last child like bugsy instinctively got on floor/ knees and leaned on bed delivered there! Try to listen do what your body wants!!!

Piffle · 17/08/2006 11:45

upright leaning against a wall or bed
worked both times for me
it was instinctive for me and I had two very quick and "easy" births with just a little gas and air

lotussister · 17/08/2006 16:19

my midwife gave me a leaflet with this

also look here

Bozza · 17/08/2006 16:34

DS was laid on my back with feet in stirrups and a really hard work second stage. DD stood at side of bed and really easy, quick second stage with no stitches. Guesss which is my recommendation?

mumstaxi · 17/08/2006 16:34

WHEN I HAD MY SON 10 YRS AGO I WAS INDUCED SO HAD TO LIE ON THE BED WITH A MONITOR ON ME, WENT IN TO NATURAL LABOUR WHEN I HAD MY 2ND CHILD 3 YRS AGO IT WAS VERY DIFFERENT. I WAS ABLE TO BE MOBILE AND FOUND LEANING OVER THE BED AITH EVERY CONTRACTION HELPLED ALOT. I GAVE BIRTH THAT WAY WITH A MIDWIFE WAITING TO CATCH HER.

maretta · 17/08/2006 16:45

Don't try and think about it - just do what makes you feel the most comfortable. I gave birth to both my ds's lying on my left hand side - it wasn't a concious decision, it's just what I found myself doing.

Tutter · 17/08/2006 16:48

just keep moving around til you get (ahem) comfortable. for me this was hanging over a birthing ball (gas and air thingummyjig pressed firmly in mouth) rocking gently back and forth.

became clear how good a position this was when they dragged me onto the bed and into the stirrups to erm 'forcibly remove' ds. ouch - being on my back felt all wrong.

helenhismadwife · 17/08/2006 18:06

I think to be honest from experience, women in labour tend to get themselves into postitions that are comfortable to them, most often this is on their hands and knees, squatting or leaning against something, when they are tired they usually lie on their side. These postions are all great for labour. So I would say do what is comfortable for you, the midwife should help you to do this. Have you asked your midwife for information on positions for labour?

NAB3 · 17/08/2006 18:13

On your knees leaning on the head board. Gravity helps. DON'T give birth on your back, you'll be there all day.

Active just measn moving around, using a birthing ball, etc, not playing tennis.

NAB3 · 17/08/2006 18:14

A birthing ball is fab. Do figure of 8 movements as they help get everything moving and give yo something to concentrate on instead of contractions.

MarsLady · 17/08/2006 18:18

You'll find your position of comfort darling. Be mobile so that you can lie down and sleep when poss, walk if you feel the urge, squat, go on all fours, rock on a ball.... I think you get the picture.

Hope all goes well when it's time. Sleep is the key honey.

Bozza · 17/08/2006 20:21

With DD I was determined it was going to be different than with DS, hence home birth etc. And I had sort of decided on all-fours. But just naturally ended up leaning on the bed. I was up and down the stairs right up until 15 mins before DD was born. And I remember getting too hot and flinging my dressing gown across the room between contractions.

Toady · 17/08/2006 20:57

When you are ill or in pain your body goes into whatever position feels best for you at that time.

It amazes me that a lot of woman end up flat on their back in hospital trying to push a baby out (especially when they have their feet in stirrups) . No wonder there is so many interventions nowadays.

Gobbledigook · 17/08/2006 21:00

I found sitting on a birthing ball throughout labour wonderful. Only got up onto the bed for delivery - kneeled up holding on to the back of the bed which was upright iyswim. Very comfy (well as comfy as you can get when delivering a head )

Olihan · 17/08/2006 21:07

Toady, I thought the same as you about lying on the bed, but at the end of a 32 hour labour with ds with an epidural, that's where I ended up, including with stirrups.

When I had dd I was standing, moving around, etc but when it came to pushing the only place I felt properly comfortable was.....lying on the bed with my legs in stirrups (I was pushing against them)!! My entire labour was only 3 hours, with 10 mins pushing so it made no difference at all.

I think, like lots of people have said, you'll find a position that suits you and your labour and that's the best one for you.

Toady · 17/08/2006 21:30

Fair enough, thats were YOU were comfortable. I was put in stirrups with DD2 before the emcs sec. I just found I had nothing to push against iykwim.

Toady · 17/08/2006 21:31

I meant "YOU" as in, not where the consultant / midwife thought was the best position for you.

cg25 · 17/08/2006 21:36

Message withdrawn

pedilia · 17/08/2006 21:36

you will know what feels best for you, I had both of mine on all fours that was the most natural position for me.

Alexandersmummy · 18/08/2006 19:48

I walked around and rocked side to side for as long as I could, then I started on my back but just found it horrible so got on my knees and lent against the raised back of the bed and it felt alot better, plus I could slump over the back of the bed in between contractions! Go with what feels good to you, your mw should have lots of suggestions, don't be afraid to keep changing postion till your comfy and GOOD LUCK YOU'LL Be AMAZING!!

MiaMamma · 25/08/2006 12:37

I wanted to have a baby upright or kneeling on the bed as everybody kept telling me it's the quickest and not so painful way. But eventually gave birth laying on bed - my legs were just soooo weak, so found this position worked for me.

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