Moving around during labour/birth... and what position did you give birth in?

[JimmyMcNulty]

Just wondering as last time I had on my birth plan that I wanted to be able to move around, but when I got to the delivery room I was told I couldn't as they wouldn't be able to examine me. I really wanted to pace around the room but was told to get on the bed - and after the mw had examined me initially (and found I was 9cm dilated) said I could kneel up and lean over the back of the bed - she only agreed to that after I point blank refused to lie down, as it just felt impossible and wrong. When I started to push she told me to turn round and sit up.

It was quick for a 1st birth (contractions started at midnight, ds1 arrived at 5am) though pushing took over an hour as the cord was wrapped round his neck a few times - I had a small (1-stitch) episiotomy. So was she right to make me stop moving around? I am wondering if I can be firmer about what I want this time or if mws really do need to get a good view the whole time.

My story is a lot like Deemented's, only it ended in emcs. Looking back I have no idea what the reason was for all the monitoring.

This time will be different (not least because I am refusing CFM unless it is specifically indicated). Will be interesting to see what positions I find most helpful. Certainly I will not be lying on my back - it's just horrid.

Really sorry to hear how things went Deemented. It is unfortunate she did not allow you to try different positions while having the internal monitoring.

I think sometimes, like many other professions, people get used to doing things a certain way and they are not comfortable when someone wants to do something that they are not used to. This goes for midwives and doctors as well sometimes.