i've been thinking about this a bit lately as well - but in more of a lying down during labour overall as well as for pushing. with DS i spent most of my labour on my back on the bed. i wanted to be active, i asked for a fit ball (which i used), i tried moving around etc but nothing was as 'comfortable' as lying on the bed. when it came to pushing i wasn't given much of an opportunity because his heart rate dropped & i was rushed off to theatre for an assisted delivery but i think on the bed is where i would have stayed if it had been a matter of choice rather than necessity.

i have often wondered since how many informed people out there may have also preferred to be on their back on the bed despite knowing that it's not the 'best' position.

it occurred to me the other day that my 'safe place' when i'm not feeling well is curled up in bed & even in pain (say during a gall bladder attack), i just wanted to be curled up & i was wondering if there was a link to that....argh, i don't think i'm making any sense but i *think* i understand where you're coming from.