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Childbirth

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

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Original poster

Birth position?

18 replies

Palmtree9 · 20/12/2021 10:46

Starting to think about birthing position now, and wondered what other people liked/did/wouldn't recommend.

Was on my back in stirrups for DC1. Not got anyone IRL as either they had a c section or intervention so no choice on position.

Thank you in advance!

OP posts:

seaduck · 20/12/2021 10:51

It seems the most unpopular position but I've given birth on my back 3 times. I wasn't restricted to that, it just happened. I did NCT and prepared for all the other positions but found the pressure way too intense. While labouring I lay on my side in a curled up position which seemed to be the only position I could find relief and then just rolled onto my back for the pushing. I have fast labours though so maybe my body didn't need the extra encouragement of a better birthing position!

Good luck.

PanicBuyingSprouts · 20/12/2021 21:02

I had the first lying on my right side and my second kneeling abs leaning forward. Neither positions were planned, they were just the ones that were the most comfortable at the time.

annlee3817 · 21/12/2021 00:46

I was on all fours, I was at my most comfortable that way, hugging a giant bean bag

LouiseS0510 · 24/12/2021 06:07

I gave birth to second dc on Sunday and in the end found it easier to give birth kneeling up on bed facing back of bed. I found gravity helped and he was out in about 4 pushes!

Stopsnowing · 24/12/2021 06:09

On all fours for most of it

DappledThings · 26/12/2021 08:50

Kneeling up and holding onto the raised end of the bed. That was for DC2 and it was textbook easy. Was stuck on my back with DC1 and was so much harder.

sleepyhoglet · 29/12/2021 16:59

I was on my back but I assumed I had to be because I had an epidural. Maybe that's not correct

Makingnumber2 · 30/12/2021 15:19

On all fours in birth pool- leaning arms on one of the steps. I started following the naked doula on insta recommended by one of the midwives I saw recently and there was a post about KICO- knees in, calves out - as apparently it creates more pelvic space during birth if you are in a kneeling position. Going to give it a go with this labour (if labour EVER begins)

SickAndTiredAgain · 30/12/2021 15:21

Kneeling up, leaning forward with my upper body/arms resting on side of birth pool.

BeingATwatItsABingThing · 30/12/2021 15:22

On my back both times. Just how I felt comfortable and I didn’t need intervention either time.

batmanladybird · 30/12/2021 15:22

My second baby was born at home unexpectedly and standing up made a massive difference
First born on back and I needed episiotomy

HappyintheHills · 30/12/2021 15:23

Birth 2 - All fours hanging over back of bed was much better than
Birth 1 - on back knees up, feet together, for the convenience of the midwife

DramaAlpaca · 30/12/2021 15:27

My third was the easiest. It was a home birth and I was kneeling on the floor leaning over a large beanbag on the sofa. He flew out!

Lacedwithgrace · 30/12/2021 15:28

On all fours for my first, then on my back for my second with DH behind me to lean against. It was what was comfortable and my midwife was happy with wherever I was comfy

MamaNeedsTea · 25/01/2022 23:32

Back with 1st but he was back to back & I ended up needing ventouse & an episiotomy. They didn't realise he was sunny side up until he arrived! Looking back I certainty think being laid on my back added to the difficulties.

Comfortably on my side with our second. She was a 9pounder too but birthed no problem barring tearing previous episiotomy scar.

2020mission · 26/01/2022 16:04

I didn't have anything planned. I tried lying on my side and all fours. Both of which the midwife said it wasn't ideal and asked me to change positions until they eventually asked me to get on my back with legs in stirrups. I said to them this isn't a good position though? They then raised the bed to have me sitting up and suggested I just put my feet up on them. It's annoying as I watched and read so much on how on your back is not optimal as it goes against gravity and prevents your pelvis from fully opening. They definitely did it to make it easier for them to see. They gave me a little episiotomy in the end. I think next time I'd try and push back more on the on the back position unless they can give me a really good reason (e.g. they need to use forceps etc).

Confused521 · 26/01/2022 16:06

All fours for me, hugging my husband.

Goopamz · 27/01/2022 15:50

All fours when on land then once in pool kneeling and hanging arms over the edge of the pool. Didn't choose the position really my body just put itself into that position and forced baby out. 9lb 8oz and only a very minor tear no stitches required.

I would have fought anyone who tried to put me on my back
I wonder if sometimes it depends on position of baby/shape of your pelvis how you instinctively get into birth position? I've heard most women naturally give birth on all fours tho as it widens the pelvis

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