Birthing Position in Hospital

Kittens22

Being a FTM who has never witnessed a birth, I've been picturing myself giving birth at the hospital in the bed, but with the upright sitting position. Probably from movies etc. I have read about the different birthing positions and seen pictures of them in baby books, but I'm wondering what's realistic, and commonly done by those who have been there or witnessed births in this lovely bump community?

 Any shared experiences are appreciated!

Katemr1146

If you have an epidural, you're pretty limited to a bed position because you obviously can't use/move your legs. If you don't have an epidural, you may be limited to what your specific hospital allows for the actual pushing. Before I got the epidural, they let me labor in any position that was comfortable. 

atcwag

I labored mostly on hands & knees, but did deliver on my back. My hospital prefers this "normal" position for pushing, but is open to others. 

MrsBigTime

I didn't have an epidural and I labored in many positions, and ultimately delivered while standing and squatting against the bed with my husband holding me from the other side (they raised the bed to stomach height). It totally depends on your provider and if you are able to move or not. Often, like the PP said, if you have an epidural it's not safe for you to use your legs to support your body because of the medication. There is a "walking epidural" but idk how common or effective they are - I've simply heard of them, but never heard of them in actual use. 

sea628

I also went med-free so I labored standing up but bent over on the bed (it was the only way I felt comfortable!) and then pushed on my back with my knees to my chest. 

rooftop

As a doula I have witnessed clients mostly deliver in suppine position (on their back) when they had an epidural although I saw one mom hold herself up on the squat bar and another delivered sidelying. Unmedicated, I've seen moms birth on hands and knees, hanging over a birthball, squating and laying in various positions. I will say those not on their back tend to have an easier and shorter time pushing than those on their backs. I say do what feels right when its time to push and dont be afraid to move if the position your in doesn't feel right.

jarethinafrock

I also did not have an epidural, but I was pretty tired after 16 hours of labour so I ended up delivering on my back. At the beginning of my labour, I did a lot of walking around but in the end, I just wanted to lie down. At one point a nurse came in and told me that if I turned to my side and put a leg up, it would speed up things significantly. I wasn't interested though because it would have been more uncomfortable. Also, I never got the hang of hang the birthing ball. 

Chcaggie1

I had an epidural and started delivery pretty much on my back with a fair incline on the bed. But I ended up with an emergency Csect

Muscatmommyof4

I delivered all three on my back I've had 2 epidurals and one natural (not by choice) I tend to labor at home not intentionally but my active labor isn't intense until 6/7cm.. While at home I walked and layed in the bathtub. I believe the bathtub was the best laboring position for me and most hosipitals have them now. 

TwandaFTG

Prior to getting my epidural I labored on my feet in the bathroom in the hospital.  I was going to walk around but that is far as I got before I got sick to my stomach and then just stood there for 3 hours.  After that I was in the bed and had to lay on either side for regular intervals and then they would come turn me to the alternate side.  When it was time to start pushing I was on my back while my mom and DH held my legs.  Then the stirrups came out.  I remember laying flat in between pushes.  I could see my reflection in the light overhead.  It was weird. 

jarethinafrock

Muscatmommyof4 said:

I delivered all three on my back I've had 2 epidurals and one natural (not by choice) I tend to labor at home not intentionally but my active labor isn't intense until 6/7cm.. While at home I walked and layed in the bathtub. I believe the bathtub was the best laboring position for me and most hosipitals have them now. 

My hospital just got a tub and I am super excited!!