What position did you give birth in?

[Bunny2607]

Hi ladies
Just as the title says really…i’m pregnant with 2nd baby. First ended up in theatre as i was pushing with episiotomy and forceps. Keen to avoid this if i can this time and trying to research what positions are easier for baby to come out/encourage gravity.
I’ve heard standing can increase risk of tearing, so i was wondering about sitting on a chair for the pushing stage? first baby i was on my back the whole way through and hadn’t done any research, I don’t want to labour on my back this time, keen to stay active if i can!
Love to hear any stories :-)

Attended NCT classes and had birth plans in place but ended up with:
Epidural with Ventouse and episiotomy for first. Baby jaundiced so ended up staying in for a week (those were the days), then out and about once home.
Emergency Caesarean for second. Again in for a week and then out and about once home...and moved overseas 3 weeks later.
I've always been with the 'go with the flow' when it came to given birth and that's the way it flowed for me.
Had two healthy babies as a result so have never given my births a second thought.
Having lived in countries with very poor medical services and the awful situations women have to give birth in, I've always just been very grateful to the NHS in looking after me and my babies.

I thought I would want to be on all fours, but when my waters broke the midwife whipped out a wooden birthing stool. Not quite sure what she saw that made her think that was the way forward. Looked a bit medieval. 29 minutes pushing leaning back against DH, baby 6lb3, 2nd degree tear which I don't think even registered at the time and didn't give me any problems.

I was walking around most of the time, then stood up at the time of birth it was great, nice and quick. X

First - on my back - told I had to be, due to heartbeat monitor issues. Went badly wrong.

Second - standing. Out in 5 minutes flat.

DD1 - On my back, needed episiotomy and stitches
DD2 - On all 4s in the birthing pool. No tears, just a tiny graze. Much better experience and a lot quicker too.
Good luck!

On my knees on the bed, leant against the bed that had the angled position.
First birth 7 hours, second 3 hours. I highly recommend moving lots up right. I girated my hips from side to side and in circular motions. Sat on the birthing ball lots too.

On my knees leaving forward both times, no tears or assistance

Thank you ladies! Defo seems to be something in being mobile during labour and not pushing on your back if you can help it so thats going in my “plan” but still going to go with the flow and just have a loose plan i think x

On my back. Midwife tried to get me sitting etc but I just couldn’t stand being anywhere but on my back on the bed. Had a small graze, that was it.

OP definitely a good mindset to ‘go with the flow’ on the day- your body might surprise you with the position it decides is best!

I like you, was terrified of tearing and was adamant that I wouldn’t labour on my back. As it happened, my labour was so fast (1 hour!) and the pain was so intense that on my back was all I could manage. It was fine though- baby was out with only 10 mins of pushing and no assistance. I did apparently have a 2nd degree tear. I say ‘apparently’ because I didn’t feel it at the time or during recovery in the weeks post birth. I couldn’t even see or feel where it was and have no lasting issues from it!

Good luck!