Anyone had an epidural and given birth on their side?

[HeeBeeGeeBee]

At my anti-natal class last week we discussed pain relief in labour. The midwife holding the class said "if you do get the epidural make sure you lie on you side (for pushing) as this is way better than being on you back"

Now we all know that pushing baby out on you back is the worst position you could be in, and can lead to tears/episiotomy/instrumental deliveries etc etc and this was one of the main things freaking me out about the epidural.

I want a natural birth where I'm free to move around and to try and work with my body but, I hate hospitals and the chances of me becoming distressed in that environment make getting the epidural a definite possibility - even though I'd prefer not to.

Anyway, my point is...I have never heard of this before! Am I just going by what I've seen on tv and assuming that epidural=birth on your back?

Won't a leg be a pretty heavy thing for an OH to hold up for x amount of time???

Anyway just curious as to whether anyone has experienced this?

 

[myasmumma]

i delivered on my back so im no help im afraid

 

[FeistyMom]

I got the same info from my birth class, and we even saw videos of it in progress. Looked like a nurse or someone else was also assisting with the leg. But I'm not really 100% sure.

I'm hoping for natural too, but have a chance of being induced so I'm looking into epidural procedures and what not. I figure it would be worth a shot

 

[Mary Jo]

I did, and I held my own leg up, I think. I was on my side for much of the time I was in labour, after the epidural went in because baby's heartbeat was more stable in that position. I didn't need any intervention with instruments, etc, pushed him out myself, but I did have a 2nd degree tear. the pushing stage lasted about 35-40 mins I think.

 

[HeeBeeGeeBee]

Thanks for the replies ladies!

Mary Jo - that's reassuring to me I just do not want to be on my back if I can help it...I also really want to push her out myself! I'm pretty much resigned to the fact I may tare as this is my first but the thought of episotomy and forceps etc scare the hell out of me. I think your story is so positive compared to some stories I've heard about the epidural. Thanks

FeistyMom - Yeah, I'm the same. I need to research everything!!! Most of it will end up being useless to me but it makes me feel more secure somehow! My Mum said to me a while back... "you're better off going in there not knowing anything" Eh...no Mum...that's my worst nightmare! Guess we're all different