What position did you birth in?

As the title suggests, I'm wanting to hear about what position you gave birth in, or what position did you find it most comfortable to birth in?

I know that positions like all fours are probably the most practical and help the most with preventing tearing but I just cannot see myself doing it that way :dunno: Unless of course a primal urge to do so overwehlms me.

For some reason I can see myself sitting upright. And maybe even delivering my own baby onto my chest. A waterbirth would be my first choice but my hospital does not allow this for vbacs :(

So . . . What worked for you???

With DD1 I was kinda on my side.
With DD2 I was over the end of the bed sorta on all fours, but had the bed head up.
With DS over a beanbag was most comfortable, I had horrible back pain, but when I had to have the monitors on I was put on my back & too buggered to move again.

All fours, or over a beanbag/exercise ball should take the pressure off your back if you have back pain. Just a tip :)

I was semi reclined with all of mine, probably a 45deg angle, so not sitting up fully. It was just the position I felt I *needed* to be in. I felt like I could push better.

On my back for the first (not recommended, esp with a posterior bub, but my OB was in charge) but all fours for the second, leaning forward onto pillows (birth centre, I was in charge). If left alone, you will just naturally move to whichever position feels best on the day....

my first - sitting <... The best position I think!
Second - Lying down <... Ughh so much harder to work with!

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I was semi reclined with all of mine, probably a 45deg angle, so not sitting up fully. It was just the position I felt I *needed* to be in. I felt like I could push better.

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Me too. I could not move during any of my labours and this was the most comfortable position for me.

DDs1 and 2 were both all 4s

DD3 was sitting like Trillian and Tinks because I couldn't move

Flat on my back attatched to a ctg machine! was absolutely wonderfull!!! NOT!! ive never been so uncomfortable in my life!!!
FWIW DD1 no tearing
DD2 2nd degree tear but she was born looking up at the sky :)

Each time I got a contraction I'd upset the OB by getting off the bed. I birthed standing, leaning over the bed. Lucky my midwife was good, and arranged pillows and towels under my feet so it didn't get too slippery to stand. And also lucky she was good at catching! However, my actual birth plan was for all fours ...

all fours leaning forward onto the bed head was THE most comfy position for me. i didnt even feel DD come out, no ring of fire, just immense pressure that suddenly disappeared once she was out (nope, i had no drugs or tears either) :D

#1 supported squat
#2 semi reclined - posterior
#3 unsupported squat in the water

no tears

On my knees with my hands pushing against the side of the bath tub. I *think* one of my feet was up on a stool of some description at the actual time of crowning though.

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I was semi reclined with all of mine, probably a 45deg angle, so not sitting up fully. It was just the position I felt I *needed* to be in. I felt like I could push better.

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Me too.

Like Alioops as well I honestly couldnt move from there even if I wanted too.

I had a first degree tear.

I was in a deep squat on the birthing stool. I spent the whole labour upright, squatting or leaning over pillows on all fours. I could never have been sitting or on my back. I even went to the hospital leaning over the back seat in the car rather than sitting- no way!

I stood for DS' entire 22 hour labour. Even when my contractions first started I could not sit or lay down. I gave birth to him standing next to the bed, leaning onto my hands. I would never have thought I would give birth standing up but it was just the most comfortable position. I had no tears either.

I birthed both of my kids on my left side. Both times my upper leg was supported by me or my midwife or OB.

in a semi-recline for the vast majority with my legs held up by either myself, DH or the middy. i started out on my knees leaning over the bedrail and found this to be amazing. but OB walked in and had me lie/sit back. i found once i was in that possie that i didnt have the same effect with the bearing down and found the going a bit harder.

i birthed on my knees, over the end of the bed.. i think the hwole gravirt thing helped LOT. I also spent the majority of my labouring on a gym ball rocking from side to side which i think helped alot.
i ened up wirh a tear that needed 2 stitches.
i will def be trung this way again.. i COULD NOT lie on my back it was far too painful :(