Has anyone tied giving birth while laying on their side?
I have been looking to an alternate birthing position. Years ago, I had my first two children laying on my back, and now think this isn't the best position. What else has anyone tried, and how did it go?
2006-10-29 06:47:05 · 7 answers · asked by paradox is interesting 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
First baby, I was on hands and knees. I was also in a birthing tub. It went really smoothly for a first birth (22 min of pushing). Second baby was higher risk and I was in a hospital (first was at home) and I think I was sitting somewhat reclined. Not the best pushing position, but because of the complications that landed me in the hospital, I wasn't complaining. I actually had less tearing and she came out 10 minutes faster, despite the fact that she was almost 9.5 pounds and was sunny side up and sticking her chin out.
A friend of mine pushed on her side. Her son's head was HUGE and she pushed on her side to minimize tearing. She did tear, but not nearly as badly as she could have.
Other positions that are quite successful are squatting (though this can be tiresome if you're not used to squating on a regular basis), and sitting on a birth stool. Both use gravity to help position the baby correctly and to get the baby out faster. They are widely used birth positions around the world. For me, hands and knees seemed most natural with my first. The second time around, I didn't have the overwhelming urge to get on my hands and knees like I did with #1.
Just do what feels right at the time. Your body will help you if you trust yourself.
2006-10-29 07:29:22 · answer #1 · answered by I ♥ EC 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
For me being on my left side was a great position for transition and delivery. I get pain in my back during labour, so I walk for the early part (up to about 5-6 centimetres dilated) and then I lay down on my side. With my first baby I was on my back for delivery and...yuck! And you're right-it's also true that it isn't the best position for massaging that area and there's a higher incidence of needing an episiotomy (I needed one with my first 2 babies) It's also a more difficult position for effective pushing.
With my second and third I moved into an almost sitting position propped up by lots of pillows and that was good. I was able to keep my knees open and my feet on the floor myself (no stirrups, no being held in place). With Tim (#4), it was an easier labour and I just stayed on my side to deliver. my husband held my leg up for me when it came time to push and deliver and it was great in terms of comfort for me. You need to have someone happy to hold your leg and of course you can't see as much of what's happening (although I'm sure you could have mirrors set up if you wanted to). With being propped up in a sitting position I could see the delivery a bit better.
My last two were by Caesarean-so position wasn't an issue-but I would have tried propping myself up and/or lying on my side and just stuck with what was more comfortable at the time. The position of the baby (#5 was posterior) can also affect what would be most comfortable for you.
Wishing you all the best. God bless you!
2006-10-29 07:17:33 · answer #2 · answered by Shoshanna 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're right - flat on your back is probably the worst birth position for a person to endure. It makes the pain worse and the birthing process slower. Feel free to labor in any position you want.
2006-10-29 20:50:42 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Laying on your back is a horrible position to give birth in.
You might try a supported squat. It lets your pelvis open up wider and lets gravity help you out as well.
2006-10-29 08:06:42 · answer #4 · answered by momma2mingbu 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I tried doing it on my side. I had no luck, because my baby's heart rate dropped to much in that position. It's all going to depend on the position of your babe. I think it is hard no matter how you do it. Good luck to you anyway.
2006-10-29 07:15:23 · answer #5 · answered by Leanne C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is the position reccomended by practicers of the "Bradley Method", it is good. However squatting is the optimum position as it allows your pelvis to open more than it would otherwise.
2006-10-29 06:50:26 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
confident, there are truthfully areas of the worldwide that it relatively is the way the little ones are born. i do no longer likely think of it rely what 'place' the female's physique is in, no rely if it relatively is time... the toddler is coming besides.
2016-10-20 23:22:00 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋