Positions other than on your back

[RuthK]

I gave birth the last 2 times on my back and it took for ever! This time I'm going to try another position but when practising the position the only one that feels right is squatting, the others feel a bit weird.

Could any of you who have squatted, leant over or delivered on all four's let me know which position you felt most comofrtable with, and if possible, why?

[Ryally]

Frankston Hospital made me sit up when i was having Ally.

I was limited due to an epidural but I found sitting up was great and Ally crowned and pretty much entered the world by herself. I was too busy sitting up telling jokes and laughing with the midwives and just felt a weight down there and when they checked her head was coming out by itself lol.

Gravity is good and I hope to try all fours this time around too if I can bear the pain.

But it looks like I'm being induced and I have no idea what's involved in that respect so I might be limited again. :)

Good Luck
Helen

[BJelly]

Hi,

I stood while leaning forward onto a shower rail during the most of the first and second stages of labour including the birth - I found the water from the shower very soothing - I will definitely try this again, especially if a bath still isn't an option.

I can recommend spending time on a birth chair as well - it sure gets tiring standing for hours - I think I'll take care to rest more next time - I was glad to give birth when I did (7hours of labour) as I was pretty exhausted by the end of it.

I didn't really find it comfy when I was propped over a bean bag. And I didn't have the strength for squats - but go with whatever feels good - you can do squats supported by a two people - I think I've seen pictures where the Mum is on the bed sqatting while being supported by a person on either side of her- I think they were standing on either side of the bed - but don't quote me on that one :confused: .

[JanetF]

This is a whole website devoted to active birth.
http://www.activebirthcentre.com/pb/abwhatisanactivebirth.shtml

It makes labour safer, less painful, shorter and overall infinitely healthier for mama and babes. Fewer interventions, fewer drugs, minimal chance of tearing, beautiful open pelvis, and no way anyone can give you an episiotomy! What's not to love ;) I hope you have a beautiful birth! :D

[Jamily]

I had Emily while kneeling in water and leaning on the side for support. My pushing time was 45mins which is quick for a first timer I believe. Not sure if my position helped or I was just lucky. I would recommend it though :)

[aardvark]

With #2 I spent much of my time either sitting, trekking to the loo, or kneeling leaning against the semi-upright head of the bed.

My labour was very short, and I had nothing for pain. I'm sure being mostly upright helped, compared to being on my back with a monitor with #1

[bb]

I had every intention of giving birth on my back, but my little man quite clearly had other ideas ! When the time came near, and the Obstetrician asked me to roll onto my back (I had been on my side), the baby heart rate reacted badly. Thus, I ended up delivering on my side ! It was really comfortable actually ! I held one knee back (and up ... if that makes sense). It may not have been the most elegant position to be in, but it worked well for me !

Good luck !

BB

[AM]

I gave birth standing up, leaning over a bed, with my kees slightly bent, it was great!

The thing with birthing positions, is that it is a very individual thing, there is no 'best' position, just positions which suit you and your body, and everyone is different.

I got hold of 'The Pink Kit' which gives you an amazing amount of info about how your pelvis is actually constructed, where the 'stretchy' bits are which actually open up to help birth your baby etc.

I learnt SO much from it, and it helps you to become aware of a whole heap of different positions by encouraging you to try them, and with your awareness in different parts of your pelvis, actually come to know which positions make your pelvis feel completely open, and which ones make your pelvis feel more restricted.
You would be surprised, sometimes the positions you 'think' are best, when you explore the sensations fully, actually do not open you up as much as you would have thought.

Have a look at this website.

http://www.birthingbetter.com

[lisa&boys]

I lied on my side and it helped so much with my back pain and when i had to push they helped me hold my legs up. I could face my dh that way too and squeeze his hand more,lol

hugs

[Trix]

ApprenticeMomma,

Where did you get this "Pink Kit"? Is it available to buy in Australia?

Thanks.

[AM]

I actually was given it to read by my midwife, but you can order it online, otherwise i guess you may need to ask local booksellers if they can get hold of it for you.
Sorry I'm not much more help!

[RuthK]

Thanks girls, you've definitely given me a few more options to consider.

Ideally I'd love something suspended from the ceiling to hold onto, I always feel when I'm holding someone's hand or pushing against their leg I'm going to damage them!

[JanetF]

You can buy the brilliant and amazing Pink Kit online from www.capersbookstore.com.au in video OR dvd! Doesn't get better than that! And it is truly amazing. The stats on how much c-sec and other interventions dropped when it was used in hospitals are amazing. If you're in Melbourne, you can borrow from the Joyous Birth library. We're about to buy one in Brissie too if that helps!

[AM]

Ruth, I also love the idea of having something suspended from the ceiling, I remember reading about it in a book on tribal cultures, and it sounded good!
Must remember it this time!

[JanetF]

This birth story has a woman using a trapeze-type thing her dh made.

http://www.nandu.hu/English/Childbirth/Csenge100/csbirth01.htm

100 photos of a waterbirth in Hungary. 2nd child. Beautiful site!

[philippa.s]

I am currently working on the designs for a Birth Centre for Townsville & we have encorporated a hook on the ceiling for a rope or material loop. It will be great.

If that is not an option for you maybe you could consider using a robozo (strong material about sarong size) or sheet. Have a support person hold it & you pull it. It works in a number of positions.

Good luck finding what works for you. I think birth on your back is a form of torture. It generally hurts so much more.