What birth position is best for preventing tearing

[lana29]

I’m so worried about tearing with vaginal birth or being uncomfortable, I just wondered if there is birth position less likely to cause tears? What did yous have? Did you tear?

Any advice on reducing tear etc thanks

Water births (2 big ones, v fast!) 1 on back, 1 on front
listening to midwife about not pushing, perineal massage
i think the water helped.

I know it’s supposed to be worse on your back, but I only ever wanted to be in my back. You can have the knowledge but you also have to go with what feels right at the time.

(and on my back I tore with one baby and not the other. Difference was baby’s position and size.)

Our ante-natal classes really recommended perineal massage, which I did religiously before my first. I didn't tear with any of my three. Water births for second 2.

I had couple of stitches after both dc hut nearly felt them at that point and they got better quickly. My friend who had a baby just before me ( and the only person I got any nitty gritty useful info out of antenatally) gave me tea tree and lavender oil to put in bath to help the ravaged bits recover. She also told me to moo during labour which I have to say was actually a significant help 👍!