I had DD1 on all fours on the floor in a private hospial and DD2 at home in the water. Just playing devils advocate Saram, but what do you think your dr and midwives would have done if you had had said no and refused to getting on the bed (after all they can't force you). This seems such as ridiculous request of a woman in labour. You have every right to birth in which ever position is most comfortable to you. I would recommend you take a strong advocate with you next time around, as it is hard to be assertive when labouring.