This is just something I've been thinking about with regard to my two births. Both times I pushed whilst lying down. With DS1, I hit 2nd stage whilst sitting on the loo and didn't want to move. However, as part of the being 'allowed' a vaginal breech birth, a compromise was me being on the bed to push. They gave me 2 contractions on my hands and knees to try to push him out, which was nothing really. It took just over an hour to push him out. I was on my back, sort of seated, with people holding my legs up and me crushing their hands. Due to SPD, I couldn't use the stirrups, thankfully.

With DS2, I was exhausted. Emotionally and physically drained, with an induced stillbirth. I just didn't want to be there. By the end, I crawled up the bed to lie on my side, whilst DH held my hand or the bowl I threw up into. As DS2 was so tiny, he came out in one push and was put straight on my belly. I kind of sat up a bit to push him out but didn't need much effort.

I wonder if in a future birth, I may end up on my back again, either through exhaustion or preference. I could see myself birthing on my bed at home, because it's so comfortable. Those hospital beds are hard and yuk. The mat on the floor isn't much better. I just don't know if my legs will hold me to push any other way other than lying down. I get the shakes and the strength leaves.

Does anyone prefer to push lying down? With DS2, even hands and knees was exhausting and felt uncomfortable. I don't really think there is much real point to this post. It's just something I've been thinking of.