Recommendations for positions in labour

[blakesmummy09]

hi all, i know ive got a while as yet lol but im having a VBAC with a wireless monitor during my labour and i ideally want to keep as active as possible to help with my scar but was wondering what position you ladies felt was best during labour, thankyou x

 

[kezziek]

Definately upright ones. I spent most of my last labour stood up with my arms round my husbands neck burying my head in his chest to get through each contraction. I tended to cross my legs as the pressure mounted up but best if you can to get them open and sway your hips side to side to help baby come down. When i was too tired to stand I was on my knees on the bed leaning over the headrest or occasionally on my side pushing against the wall. You just do what you need to to get throuh each contraction and you will find what works for you but there was no way i could sit or lie on my back through contractions. At home i spent a lot of time on all fours hugging my birth ball lol. I hope to do the same this time as I had a much quicker labour from staying upright and active- it was only 2-3 hrs from getting to the hospital this time after labouring at home. XXx

 

[Lou+Bubs]

Same a kezziek, keep upright if you can. Helps with gravity, I found my contractions slowed down when I was Sat down. I found it helped if I rocked from side to side while leaning over a chair or hand on the bed and had a bit of movement in my hips. Both my labours where pretty quick first less than 12hrs and 2nd less than 6 hrs. Had a water birth with my 2nd but didn't get in the water till 7 cms. X

 

[Jingles23]

I found standing, leaning over the back of a chair and swaying my hips to be the best. 8.5 hour labour. Laying on my back was the worst!!!

 

[dan-o]

For me both times standing and kneeling/all fours. This second one I gave birth on my knees leaning over the back of the bed and didn't have to push at all, my body took over and out he came!

 

[aimee-lou]

For me both times standing and kneeling/all fours. This second one I gave birth on my knees leaning over the back of the bed and didn't have to push at all, my body took over and out he came!

Similar story here - Kneeling, leaning over the back of the bed for most of my contractions. I needed to be examined so went onto my back. The shift in position made 2nd born fall through my pelvis and out he came. I only had to consciously push once for his head and once for his shoulders as he was large and had to give small pushes on command lol. 5.5 hours start to finish and he was nearly 11lb!

 

[Guppy051708]

Squatting! Although any and all upright positions, along with following your bodys ques will give you the best possible outcome. There have been some great ideas shared here so i wont go into more details on those, but squatting is extremly helpful. 1.) it expands the pelvic outlet by 10% 2.) it puts the baby in a more optimal position 3.) gravity can aid the baby out 4.) bc your tummy is kind of tucked, mama can push more efficiently and can help "bare" down on the baby to push baby out.

I personally used a variety of positions with both of my births. Ive done kneeling, all fours, squatting, side laying, etc. But the most effective for me was squatting with resistance. That is ultimatly the position i was in when the baby was actually born (for both of my boy's deliveries), but i did utilize various positions while actively pushing. I successfully birthed one face up baby (and they are notorious for causing issues getting out) and one shoulder dyscotia baby (also notorious for the same). I can honestly say doing what my body told me to and utlizing mentioned positions helped achieve those vaginal births without any assistance.

I agree with the ladies about all the positions they mentioned though. They are all excellent choices. Follow your instincts and you'll be in good hands.

 

[Misscalais]

People like to say standing or squatting etc but for me I tried everything and gravity was just too painful the pressure was making me feel like everything was going to fall out my butt! Lmao!
Even with my 2nd birth my midwife tried hard to get me to birth standing and I couldn't it was just far too intense.
Try not to birth laying flat on your back! That's the worst position.
I birthed in the bed but semi reclined, so almost sitting up straight but not quite.
I only pushed for 25 minutes with my 1st and 8 minutes with my 2nd and he was 9lb no tears either!
For labour though make sure you move around as much as possible, try not to just lay in the bed. My labour slowed down as soon as I sat so I was in the shower for most of both my labours.
Good luck it hurts like heck but its so worth it

 

[snowfia]

I was kneeling and leaning on the back of the bed. I really enjoyed it.

I agree with the others, definitely up right and not on your back though.

 

[BettyBoop152]

I was on my back the whole time with first and it was horrendous (epi) so I'll be taking all this advice! My Chiro has also suggested squatting and all fours to help position babies head through the pelvis xx

 

[Mrs Bee]

Anything other than lying on your back!!! I thought the birth ball was great to deal with the contractions as well as arms around hubby's neck and swaying... Labour dancing lol!