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Childbirth

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

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Original poster

question about 'pushing'

35 replies

mad4mybaby · 28/10/2008 15:21

with ds1 i rememeber the worst bit of labour was the pushing. This seemed like the longest part and when i was pushing i could feel he kept slipping back up. It was the worse feeling in the world. I was laying on a bed with the back up IUSWIM. Im just wondering if this always happens or was it the postion i was in? Would this not happen if i was squatting for example? I really dont want this to happen this time round but i am prepared this time!

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lulumama · 28/10/2008 16:15

how long did you push? did you have an epidural?

pushing whilst sitting /lying on the bed can close up your pelvis making it harder to get hte baby down and out. it sort of has to be pushed round a curve, and pushing against gravity is not helpful

all fours or a supported squat or even on your side can be better at opening up the pelvis and getting baby out quicker

psuhing for up to 2 hours can be normal for a first baby IIRC

VASTlargeginandbloodymary · 28/10/2008 16:20

Pushing is bloody hard work and when you can feel the baby slipping back up it is soul destroying.

The position could have contributed but it is just hard work getting the baby round the first corner. A more upright position this time will help but also the fact the last baby has paved the way and you are familiar with what needs to be done.

I pushed for 4 hours with dd (first vaginal birth after c section) but the babies that followed had a much shorter pushing time.

Dropdeadfred · 28/10/2008 16:24

i pushed my 9lb 8oz dd3 out in exactly 11 mins....make of that what you will!!

I had a cs first time and an induced labour with dd2 where i felt i was pushing for ever and ever because i was scared i wouldn't push as hard as i could have done
with dd3 i knew it would hurt and last longer if i didn't go for it 100% so i did...think even the mw was shocked!!

MarchNowFebMum · 28/10/2008 16:25

first baby, squatting and I still pushed for 2.5 hours so not assured. i did however stand up for the last few pushes (was in pool) and that was when things sped up - although could have just been ready

Original poster

mad4mybaby · 28/10/2008 16:34

hmm no epidural just G&A The whole labour was very quick at 4 hours. I just checked the slip of paper which i put in ds red book and that says second stage 44 mins....

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belgo · 28/10/2008 16:37

I gave birth to ds two weeks ago, in a birthing pool. My midwife told me to go on my hunches through a contraction, and I felt the baby 'click' into place. The next contractions were pushing contractions and I pushed him out in three pushes, on my hands and knees. It was by far the easiest position in which to give birth.

Original poster

mad4mybaby · 28/10/2008 16:41

im not tall so maybe a silly question but if i was on hands and knees would water not be too deep? At the birth center the pool is quite deep

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belgo · 28/10/2008 16:43

no the water wouldn't be too deep, they can always adjust the level until you are comfortable, and don't feel like you are drowning

VASTlargeginandbloodymary · 28/10/2008 16:51

Oh Belgo i read your birth thread, what a fabulous name!

I always throw myself over in to am all fours position. Happens everytime. DS#4 came out in 40 minutes.

ObsidianBlackbirdMcNight · 28/10/2008 16:54

My pushing stage lasted 49 mins, I was standing up with hands on the side of the bed, never felt him 'slip back', just a smooth (albeit painful!) ride down!

MoChan · 28/10/2008 16:56

I was in a birth pool and was kind of half-squatting, half all-fours... ie, on my knees but with my upper body raised slightly because I hooked my arms over the edge of the pool.

Pushing lasted about 20 - 25 mins, but did feel like it lasted longer.

Original poster

mad4mybaby · 28/10/2008 17:25

i dont think i wouldve had the strength to stand up with ds1. all too quick. the birth center are very much 'off the bed' as they are pushed into a corner, the pool is in the middle of room etc. Just hoping i can get there in time to get in the pool this time...

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waitingtobloom · 28/10/2008 18:31

Squatting/upright/all fours positions give the most room and help the baby out. I got DD out who was OP and didnt flex her chin and was a larger baby by kneeling on the sofa with one leg up and holding onto the back of it (she was very very stuck and a long second stage). Incidentally I had to get out of the pool as was getting too relaxed in there and just floating about when I Should have been pushing lol

I think second birth second stages are usually quicker for second babies though with less damage!

By the way I think I know who you are lol

BabyBaby123 · 28/10/2008 18:35

i found being on all fours a really horrible feeling both times - on my side was the best way for me.

Original poster

mad4mybaby · 28/10/2008 18:45

with ds1 the only place i was comfortable when i was at home was shut away on the toilet with the toilet seat up so maybe squatting be the best option to try although a little apprehensive with the old SPD!

Waitingtobloom- I havent name changed!

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ShowOfHands · 28/10/2008 18:53

All births are different as are all women and their respective pelvises. I think the key thing is to do what feels right. If it felt wrong on your back then it was wrong.

I pushed for 6 hours in ever conceivable position and it felt wrong throughout. Should have listened to my body really. She was never coming out the conventional way.

belgo · 28/10/2008 18:54

6 hours pushing? you must have been exhausted SOH

CantSleepWontSleep · 28/10/2008 19:01

I gave birth to ds in the same position as you mad4. I only pushed for prob a couple of mins (4cm dilated to baby delivered was only 1hr 10mins), so no, it doesn't always happen the way you experienced it, regardless of position.

ShowOfHands · 28/10/2008 19:02

It was a fairly long labour too. Couldn't remember my own name. Tore a couple of muscles, burst a few blood vessels. Wasn't the best 6 hours of my life. Never ever again.

Original poster

mad4mybaby · 28/10/2008 19:12

cant sleep - did you tear or have stitches?

OP posts:

CantSleepWontSleep · 28/10/2008 19:31

Tiny tear - no stitches .

MarchNowFebMum · 28/10/2008 19:38

baby 'click' into place? want to hear more about this!

waitingtobloom · 28/10/2008 19:46

I agree with showofhands - if you can tune into your body and rather than fighting labour/trying to get it over with then you instinctively move into the best positions you can (if you can). I was all over the place!

I had an episiotomy with DS (on my back - but he was distressed so who knows without) but a tiny tear and 2 stitches with DD who was 1.5 pounds bigger. Water is fab.

And no I know you havent named changed just am convinced I know who you are in real life (well dont actually know you know you) after reading a thread a couple of months back...detective me!

misdee · 28/10/2008 19:50

i gave birth in same position as you mad4mybaby the last two times. i remember wanting to walk around for the early parts with dd3, but for pushing i wanted to be lying down. i tore slightly, but no stitches. i think you have to go with instinct. with dd1, i was induced and was on the bed for hours, which didnt feel right to me, but didnt know what to expect. with the two i listened to my body.

Original poster

mad4mybaby · 28/10/2008 21:25

i barely remember walking into the delivery room, DH says that the MW did ask if i wanted to move but apparantly i wouldnt! But afterwards i was angry at having been stuck on the bed!

Waitingtobloom - where would i know you in 'real life'?? Am intrigued now

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