Did you give birth on your back?

[JennyBeanR]

If so, how was it? I'm curious because everything I've read states that the ideal position for giving birth is upright, or on all fours. Apparently there's a reduced risk of severe tears, intervention and so on.

I'm 35 weeks by the way and this is my first baby.

Gave birth on my back, baby was back to back and it was the only time I was vaguely comfortable. I tried to kneel/stand/all fours etc but the pressure was too intense. So on my back, gas & air, short time pushing, second degree tear that heeled fine with plenty of stitches.

Everyone labours very differently but it is nice to get different “reviews”, I hope your birth goes smoothly and how you’d like it to 😊 I was shitting myself from about 30 weeks onwards but I needn’t have really.

I was on my back, all 4 times. For the 1st 3 it was fine, was on a proper delivery bed with raised back and dropped front (not sure of the correct terms). No drugs, no tearing, all out in 2-3 pushes. With the 4th one, I was almost flat on my back on a normal hospital bed and I found it much more difficult. I asked to change position but they would only allow me to sit up slightly. I was fully dilated but the baby had a very large head and hadn't engaged - I was pushing but nothing was happening- so a midwife basically jumped on my stomach at the same time as I pushed to get him moving in the right direction. So I suppose I had to be fairly flat on my back for that to work. It wasn't the pleasantest experience, but the outcome was lovely and that's the main thing.

Both on back, 2nd baby I was on all fours but midwives had to turn me onto my back

Yes because I was exhausted and literally couldn't support my weight any longer after being in labour for more than a day and a half. I'd been in the pool, walking around, leaning over a bed, all sorts. It wasn't how I imagined but my legs and back just gave way so for the last couple of hours I was on my back.
No tearing, no stitches though.

I ended up having a c section but in the antenatal classes I asked about squatting and was told that it wasn't allowed as the midwife needed access.

DC1 yes, not my choice but told necessary for hb monitoring, she got stuck and was distressed and born not breathing
DC2 no, born with me standing up leaning on bed, out very quickly

Insist on what position makes you feel most comfortable, your body will know

Ds1 born 37w+5 back to back and I was on my back . Very quick and easy but probably because he was tiny ( 6llb 8oz). He’s now 15 and 6ft!!
Ds 2 40+2 back to back. Also on back like ds1. I had a couple of stitches but he was 7llb 14oz.
Good luck. Such an exciting time ahead .

I had both mine kneeling on the hospital bed with the "backrest" up holding onto it.
Second DC came out with fists first but no tears with either.

Oh and DC2 was over 8lb btw.

Being on my back just didn't feel right as I felt I needed to be able to move.

Had all 4 on my back
All inductions- failure to progress after waters had broken.
No stitches at all, just a graze and small tear.
I had an epidural and my body labored away while I dozed. I didn’t push until the head was well down. Gyne was brilliant and because the baby was happy there was no panic.

Good luck OP
My doc said at the start It will all depend on what the body can do and the baby can tolerate.

Had both mine on my back with an epidural. Both births were quick and easy though needed an episiotomy with first as the cord was around dd’s neck. A lot of it is down to luck - how long your labour is, what time of day it starts (ie if you go into all after a good night’s sleep), position of the baby etc. Have a plan by all means, but be prepared to go with the flow and be advised by your midwife who will know much more about it than you do no matter how many books you’ve read on the subject. Above all don’t waste time worrying beforehand - I did and I wish I hadn’t as it was all so easy in the end. Best of luck OP.

Thank you all for the lovely words and insight.

I am definitely calming down after having read your responses. Also had an antenatal class on birthing last night which went well. I am just so eager to get it all over and done with! :)

I was looking up birthing balls since I had a chance to sit on one yesterday in the class, I have to say I found it alot more comfortable than I expected.

I gave birth on my back on the bed with legs in stirrups. I didn't find it comfortable as my back was aching and didn't feel it's was helping the baby to move down, it felt like baby kept bobbing back up.

I had been more comfortable on the ball. On all fours, leaning over the bed. Baby became distressed and they were worried about her heart rate. I'd been pushing for over two hours so a consultant was called in. I was told to get into my back and he gave guided pushing. I was so uncomfortable and fed up that when he told me if I didn't push the baby out within the next few minutes he'd be taking me to theatre to use forceps I gave it my all and finally the baby was out. I had a second degree tear which I didn't feel, nor did I feel the repair. Was sore the next day for a week or so though.

Just do what you feel is comfortable and is safe for baby x

I gave birth on my back. I had a really quick and intense labour. There literally wasn’t enough time to get me into another position. They let me push on my back to start with as they thought it would take time but he came very fast. Tried to turn me onto my side but his heart rate dropped and they had to get him out so i had an episiotomy. It was fine. No tears other than the wound from the incision.

Yes! I was induced and they kept losing baby on the monitor while I was up and moving around so had to lie down. That was incredibly painful so got an epidural and gave birth on my back, legs in stirrups (not my plan at all after being taught all about staying active and upright and how this position is the absolute worst)

Pushed baby out fine, no damage.
I think you have to go with whatever happens on the day and hope for the best!

First baby I was kind of kneeling down leaning against the couch in the birthing suite. Happened very very quickly. I think about 7 minutes of pushing.

Second baby I was in the birthing pool, so I kind of squatted in that. The water definitely helped support my body. Happened even more quickly. 2 pushes and baby was out.

Birthing balls are amazing, especially for getting the baby in the right position before labour.

I'd also recommend seeing if there are any antenatal yoga classes near you and going to a few. It really helped me by teaching positions to try during early labour, and even birthing positions

I did. The midwife asked if I wanted to go on all fours, I said ok, but then they shoved me in the stirrups and said baby had to come out quick sharp. Tbh, not sure what happened there. He was being monitored with a clip and I wonder if they were more worried than they let on. I had an episiotomy but no tearing.

First one yes... big tear/stitches... 2/3rd upright/all fours.. easiest was definitely all fours...