Anyone given birth on labour ward and NOT laid on their back in bed?

[Bubbinsmakesthree]

in my first labour (induced) midwives convinced me to lie on the bed for 2nd stage which didn't suit me at all - pushing in that position didn't come naturally and progress slowed right down.

Expecting to be induced again for DC2 and would like to avoid being stuck on my back in the bed again if possible.

Anyone done this on a labour ward? If so what positions did you use, and how supportive were the midwives?

Dc1 I was on my knees leaning over the back of the bed.

Dc2 I was on my back, we were trying to slow labour as he was prem, it didn't work with slowing it really though.

Dc3 I was on my side.

Dc4 I was fully sat up in the bed.

Not counting dc2 I was very active until transition with all my labours but felt safer in the positions I chose on the bed if that makes sense. I'm considering asking about using one of the new active labour rooms my labour ward has this time around with dc5. They didn't have them with dc1-4 but I think using one would suit my labour style & while my pregnancies are high risk my labours have generally been straightforward so I'm hoping it won't be an issue.

I was in a squat position on the end of the bed.

I never even touched a bed except when they checked me at 8cm .the last thing i wanted was to lie down. I walked and walked, glared at DH and other expectants with entire extended families in all the seats in the waiting room, and walked more. Got checked by a concerned midwife and shocked them somewhat at the progression, then used an upright bean bag standing to head butt for a bit, sat on a ball, shot off it sharpish as agony ( i was in transition it seems) then knelt against a chair whilst the pool was filled, 20 mins kneeling in the pool. Pop..baby. I was so lucky however and had a 2-3 hour birth from the waters breaking to ejecting an 8lb baby 3 weeks early. Did mean i tore badly as he shot out as my birth unit does not help with breathing techniques and he came so fast. Also they didn't believe me wanting to push as 1st time mum and still able to talk/ berate DH for holding my hand/touching me. ( poor man).

phew

Laying in bed for DDs 1 & 2. But squatting on the floor with my chest over an exercise ball for DD3. She slid out easy peasy.

For Dc1 I was on my back after trying for an active labour but she was delivered with a suction cup. I found it really tiring being on all fours for so many hours.
For dc2 I delivered on a birthing stool and it was the best thing ever! Gravity did most of the work and I didn't have tired knees and legs. And dh sat behind me supporting and rubbing my back. I don't know why they don't use them more often - no one else I know has used one. Would highly recommend it if available and appropriate.

For my last (third) baby I was in a lovely warm birthing pool on my knees and hanging my arms over the side. Worked best for me!

First one on my back legs in stirups 2nd birth head and shoulders hanging off the bed one arm on oh shoulder the other on a chair. Right foot on midwife's shoulder. Very funny lots of gas and air.

Second child, standing up holding on to end of bed. Did not enjoy being on back with child 1 and had planned all fours but only just made it to delivery room.

Standing up. Way the easiest and quickest.

On all fours leaning over headboard of bed/exercise ball and puffing on gas and air frantically until I was so away with the fairies I actually believed I was a cow! It seemed to make it much more manageable to imagine I was a cow and I was even mooing!

On all fours in my bathroom as I had convinced myself I could get Dd to nursery and then go to hospital.To be fair a bit weird as I had a silent labour with Dd.

I gave birth on my back but did a lot of the pushing stage on my knees, and I had an epidural.

Apologies ladies! Wrong thread! Will report it

DD1 I was on my knees with arms resting on the bed ( Home birth) I didn't plan the position it was what just felt comfortable to me.

DD2 - Due to staff shortages, there was no Midwife free to come and to me so I had an unplanned Water Birth, I literally got in the Water and she flew out - Official time of Stage 2 - 2 Minutes

I was on the labour ward for both of mine as my waters had gone many hours before. For both they insisted on being able to monitor heartbeat throughout (due to waters having gone so long before).

DC1: they couldn't track heartbeat except when I was on my back. Despite no epidural/drugs I couldn't feel anything happening like that. Three hours of pushing and a ventouse later DC1 arrived and I was too knackered to care.

DC2: I was adamant the same thing wasn't going to happen. Got on my knees leaning on the back of the bed. Midwife wanted me to move onto my back so they could check heartbeat. I refused. My husband likes to tell people that it went from "you need to move" to "there's the head" to (his words) DC2 "flying out" in seconds. About five pushes.

I was on my knees with all three
Much better to have gravity on your side.

2 births on all fours
2 births standing up
Standing was soooooo much easier!

DC1: started out on knees holding back of bed, then moved to birthing stool and was born there.

DC2: like someone else upthread, very quick transition (well quick everything) with induction, pushed and gave birth on my side with a midwife holding one of my legs in the air. Was all a bit of a blur really!