Lying on back pushing

[LionsandBears]

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.

[Lily Dust]

You have endured the worst of it L&B and I am so sorry for that
All the IRL birth stories I have heard the girls are laying on their backs, which is only 3 girls buuuut thats 3 that preferred their back. An alternative to lying on your back would be laying on your side, apparently it helps with that hurdle of bub having to be pushed up and over itms. Im certainly not someone who has a clue, 1 kid after all

[Tinks]

I gave birth on my back all 3 times. It was the only position I could get myself into. I also laboured on my side and couldn't move from that postion, as much as the midwives tried to get me moving, I just couldn't.

I think in the moment you do whatever feels most comfortable for you.

[sloane]

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.

[Tinks]

double post

[Cricket]

I've given birth in a semi-reclined position, with my knees up, three times, and twice laying flat on my back with my knees pulled way back. (the flat on back ones were 1. because DD's heart rate was dropping and they wanted oxygen on me, and my knees way back to push her out ASAP, and 2. because DS wouldn't come out any other way after trying multiple positions.)
Semi-reclined has been pretty comfortable for me - I've had no desire to try something else. You'll know in the moment, and the difference will be whether you have a care-giver who will encourage you to take any position you like, or one who will want you in a position that suits them best.

[Maruschke]

There is always the option of a birth chair if you want something to support your weight yet not be on your back. I also get the leg shakes and not sure I could stand through it (or even kneel through it).

Thinking of you xoxo

[Arcadia]

I think the concept of a safe place or position is important. When I'm sick I always want to lie on the floor, and both times I have birthed kneeling on the floor, leaning over a couch/bed. With dd I also wrapped myself in a sheet, because it made me feel safe (I was nude underneath)

There is no right way to birth...the important thing is that it's your choice.

l&b

[LionsandBears]

Thanks for all the comments. I'm pretty active during labour to give gravity a go. It may be a birth stool would be good, if it's available. I just think it would be ironic, with me being so gung-ho about optimal positioning, if it turned out my preferred position for pushing was reclined sitting or lying down.

I also like curl on my side when I'm not feeling well. With DS1, it was too painful but with DS2 I just needed the rest. I spent most of his birth in the bath which was great, but I got out when I got too hot and was having a meltdown from grief. Then I just wanted to lie down.

I guess every birth is different.

[Jellyfish]

I birthed both from a supported back position similar to what you have described. After everything I had read between DD1 and DD2, I tried with DD2 some other positions (hands and knees, squatting) but just couldn't get comfortable so went with what I knew I liked. I think you should always go with what you feel even if it is against what is usually most effective, you know your body best.

For what it is worth, they were both positive experiences - spontaneous, drug free labours with no tearing or stitches. I did have a small graze with DD1 but that was as she had her hand up next to her head.

[~Hestia~]

My sister is well informed about birth but still prefers to birth lying down on the bed, she feels more comfortable that way. With my last birth my midwife set me up on a beanbag so I was reclined for the pushing stage and my hubby was holding my leg up. Not what I would've chosen myself but it was pretty comfy.

[PumpkinZulu]

I think the concept of a safe place or position is important. When I'm sick I always want to lie on the floor, and both times I have birthed kneeling on the floor, leaning over a couch/bed. With dd I also wrapped myself in a sheet, because it made me feel safe (I was nude underneath)

There is no right way to birth...the important thing is that it's your choice.

l&b

This was much my experience too. When in pain, upset or scared, I've always felt safer on the floor. Giving birth, and in fact 99% of my labour, I was on my hands and knees on the floor, in the bathroom There were times when my doula got me up to sit on the toilet or a birth stool to help DD around the bend, and moving from my 'safe' position was excruciating. I assume it would be the same for anyone and their 'safe' position, regardless of where that is.

[Teeki]

I gave birth on my back all 3 times. It was the only position I could get myself into. I also laboured on my side and couldn't move from that postion, as much as the midwives tried to get me moving, I just couldn't.

I think in the moment you do whatever feels most comfortable for you.

Exactly that. I don't know that I preferred being on my back, but during almost my entire labour I couldn't/didn't want to budge from lying on my side. I kind of wish they'd helped me into other positions for pushing because it might have been a bit quicker and easier, but I guess I don't really know.

Sent from my GT-P7510

[TeniBear]

Ianto was born with me on my side and slightly sitting up, that wasn't too bad.

I was forced flat onto my back, legs in the air, with Amelia, and I know I'll never do that again. But I remember just wanting to be able to sit up - maybe my "natural" birthing position is sitting up? I'll let you know when #3 comes along.

[Lisa]

I have birthed all 6 of my babies whilst laying down on my back but semi reclined. I have very active labours, but always hop on to a bed to give birth. With DD3 however, I watched TV in bed whilst in labour, laying on my side and then rolled on to my back to give birth

[Kazzo]

I birthed DD1 flat on my back,I had just had a VE and her head surprised them. I was pretty much laying on the bed or reclined back in a recliner strapped to moniters the whole time. They did say when I was ready to push I could move to however I liked but when transition hit I did not want to move.
I birthed DD2 standing at the end of the bed, I had just walked into the birthing room, taken my top off and my water broke and I was in transition, I could not move.
I much preferred the standing up birth but both girls only took 2 contractions to be born so neither was harder then the other for me.