I did it on all fours for a while....probably about 30-45mins. It was a comfy (as comfy as being in labour can be hehe) position for a little bit. I found when i tried to go to a different position it was really painful tho. Thats just me tho. As for tearing, i did tear a little bit, but as i said i did change to a different position & bodhi was a rather large babie