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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Position you gave birth in

106 replies

Mummyinlove09 · 30/08/2020 12:31

I’m 35 weeks pregnant with my first baby and I’m currently learning hypnobirthing (I’m reading the positive birthing companies book) and I’m really enjoying it. It makes sense to me!

One of the things she talks about is birthing positions and contrary to what all the soaps and films show you, the worst position to be in when giving birth is on your back pushing! She talks about being upright, forward and open.

I’m curious to know what position did you give birth in and would you recommend one over another? Smile

OP posts:
NoGinNotComingIn · 30/08/2020 12:43

On my back in stirrups both times, not by choice really. I was on a drip and wired to the machine, plus totally exhausted, particularly the first time. Was fine though, no tears.

NoGinNotComingIn · 30/08/2020 12:46

I tried having the back of the bed up and upright but I couldn't hold myself up through exhaustion. I was quite happy on my back.

dododotheconga · 30/08/2020 12:47

On my back in stirrups for the first one (these were surprisingly comfy and I was happy in this position) and flat on my back under general anaesthetic in an operating theatre for the first (not quite what I'd planned!).

chunkyrun · 30/08/2020 12:47

with the top of bed upwards so I was upright, knees on the bed. Back to back labour. Couldn't lie on my back

dododotheconga · 30/08/2020 12:47

Sorry- GA for the second. Must proof read!

Ohwhatbliss · 30/08/2020 12:48

I also used hypnobirthing and tried holding the back of the bed kneeling but it just didn't work for me, I couldn't push hard enough. Delivered on my back 🤷🏻‍♀️

NoGinNotComingIn · 30/08/2020 12:50

My first child was back to back and came out still in that position - not the easiest to get out in any position, I still preferred on my back.

FTMF30 · 30/08/2020 12:52

I had an active birth. For the most part, I was on my knees and leaning over a birthing/yoga ball thingy.

I would agree that lying on your back doesn't seem the best position. I feel it doesn't help the baby to come out (gravity) and could be the reason forceps are used so often.

Overall though, it really depends on the midwife supporting you and your birthing options. There are restrictions on positions depending on your pain relief options. Just opt for what you're most comfortable with.

oliveaddict · 30/08/2020 12:52

Laying in the bed, but turned onto my left side. Pushing off stirrup with one leg. This was brilliant as I was knackered and hooked up to machines, but my pelvis/tailbone could still move better than on my back according to midwife, only had a tiny tear.

happytoday73 · 30/08/2020 12:53

2nd birth... Stood up leaning on the bed for support....First sign of labour to delivery was less than 6 hours though...

First was on back (long labour, drop, monitor etc).. Was knackered...it really didn't help delivery...

ShyOwl · 30/08/2020 12:54

Knees on the bed arms round DHs waist 😅

When I was asked to lay on the bed for them to check dilation progress slowed and baby became distressed. I've nearly finished the birthing companies online course and it makes so much sense now why that happened!

Persipan · 30/08/2020 12:55

In stirrups, which I wouldn't have thought I wanted but which turned out to work really well for me.

JanewaysBun · 30/08/2020 12:56

Dc1 - on back, (syntocin drip etvl)
Dc2 - on back, she came super fast so basically I laid on the bed and she shot out!

Flora20 · 30/08/2020 13:00

On my knees leaning on the side of the birth pool. No way could I physically have laid down even if they'd wanted me to! I didn't consciously push though, had no control over my body's push reflex so just went with the flow!

LittleRa · 30/08/2020 13:01

Water birth- leaning forwards over the side of the pool. I’d highly recommend it.

vivaladivagigi · 30/08/2020 13:01

On my back. Did hypnobirthing but with an induction and aaaalllll the things hypnobirthing teachers tell you to avoid - unavoidable in my case due to pregnancy complications. Still had a lovely birth and found pushing in that position absolutely fine.

YesItsMeIDontCare · 30/08/2020 13:03

Learn about it all OP and keep your mind as wide open as possible. Focus on being able to give the birth the way that is right for you and your baby at that time.

It might be hypnobirthing, it might be a water birth, it might be on your back, it might be an emcs.

Do what is right at the time, take guidance from the experts who are with you in the moment (but don't be pushed in to something you're not happy with), have someone who can advocate for you if necessary.

Good luck!

Wowcherarestalkingme · 30/08/2020 13:03

On my back both times. Second baby I was on my knees pushing but due to circumstances they wanted me to turn round and go on my back. One push later he was out.

SqidgeBum · 30/08/2020 13:05

On my back in stirrups for a ventouse and episiotomy. 100% not ideal, but I think the main thing to remember being a FTM is you realistically have very little control over what happens, especially with your first birth. You can emotionally prepare, go through your breathing, but the body does what it does, so just go in being mentally prepared for whatever happens, even if that is the complete opposite of what hypnobirthing has promised you.

Remember, the baby hasn't read the hypnobirthing book.

Loveden · 30/08/2020 13:05

Kneeling and leaning forward against the bed head. It felt weirdly completely instinctive to do this, despite an old-school midwife trying to settle me on my back with legs akimbo.

OneTooManyBathtimes · 30/08/2020 13:05

I accidentally used hypnobirthing (I hadn't done any research but ended up in a trance both times). First birth was in the pool, sat down, and second was on my back on the low bed. Wasn't really much time with her as she arrived 10 mins after hospital, but I had the gas and air and the bed was the closest thing when I needed to push.

I wasn't comfortable squatting/kneeling etc. I had to be able to focus and that meant being on my back at the time.

Concestor · 30/08/2020 13:06

1st squatting
2nd upright all labour then felt the urge to lie on my side for delivery (found out later he'd been back to back and he was born in the sac so maybe needed a different position?)

NationalBust · 30/08/2020 13:06

Stood up, leaning on the chest of drawers. DD was coming at speed so probably should have laid down in hindsight!

ArtemisBean · 30/08/2020 13:07

Don't get too invested in wanting a particular position, would be my advice. You don't know how you'll feel when pushing time comes. I was exhausted and just wanted him out so did everything I was told, which meant ending up on my back. Just go with the flow and do whatever you feel comfortable with without putting any pressure on yourself to do it a certain way.

DimidDavilby · 30/08/2020 13:07

First time on my back as I was exhausted after induction and epidural.

Second time on all fours which was much more comfortable.

All I would say is don't set your heart on anything because you don't want to be upset or disappointed if it doesn't go that way on the day.