New to the board - Birthing Stool

laurenmdrn16 · June 2013

Hey ladies. I just wanted to ask a quick question and I apologize if it has already been discussed. I am due Oct 14 (I know, still have a bit of time) but am very dedicated to a natural birth for a lot of reasons. I was wondering if anyone had experience with a birthing stool/squatting method. I just can't imagine laboring and delivering on my back and feel that this method and position would be better for me. Any S(or more)TMs have any experience with this? I heard that it can be less painful, cause less tearing, and can involve the father more (MH would be able to help stabilize me instead of just staring at my bajingo). Thanks ladies!

aylafsu88 · June 2013

Squatting is supposed to be the best delivery position as it opens up the hips and makes the birth canal shorter. I had every intention of delivering in the squatting position. However, after 10 hours of labor I was worn out and the squat bar was not set up. I have no experience with a stool but I think it would have helped me a lot.

I know that many hospitals offer a squat bar now. They remove the lower part of the bed and attach it. You can use it to hold on to while squatting to help stabilize you. I tried out out during the hospital tour and it I think it would have been comfortable to use. The big thing is that the squat bars have to be put on the bed. There was so much going on I did not remember the squat bar until I was pushing and at that point the baby was coming so I could not wait for them to set it up. You may want to ask you hospital/birth center about a squat bar. GL!

ETA: My hospital did not provide a stool. H and I figured it was just one more thing we would have to carry. We opted not to have one and planned to use the bar instead.

vintagejjane · June 2013

Squatting was the best. Like PP said it helps open everything up. I still tore, but only a little (not enough to even get stitches)

Celyn · June 2013

Most hospitals here don't have a stool, so I got one and bring it to all the births I attend. A few people have delivered on it (none who did tore), but most everyone labored on it during transition (which is especially nice in the shower).

tokenhoser · June 2013

You will find the position that is right for you if you are unmedicated and able to move - for me, it was hands and knees and child's pose, but my baby was posterior and those are classic positions to help with that. Having access to a stool and/or squat bar is good to expand your comfortable options. Lots of squatting in pregnancy is also good.

MrsBigTime · June 2013

My MW brought out the stool but I did not like it one bit. I thought I would have liked it, but when I was in the thick of labor the position I most preferred was laying down in as fetal of apposition as I could get, ha! I eventually delivered while standing and squatting next to the bed(which was raised to chest height) with my DH supporting me from the other side of the bed (he literally held me up every time I squatted down to push).

The beauty of a natural birth with an attentive provider is that you are free to utilize whatever crazy position feels right and you should have the control of your body enough to try new things if something isn't working.

reederah · June 2013

With my son, I was 100% sure I'd use the birthing stool and squat while pushing. Well when the time came I was in way too much pain to stand so I ended up pushing while laying on my side and it worked well for me. So while it's good to know and research the options, you kind of just have to wait until the big day to know what's going to work for you.

Tigerlilym15 · June 2013

I delivered with midwives in a hospital and tried tons of different positions/methods. I did use a birthing stool but it was probably my least favorite of all. It significantly increased the pressure and pain I was feeling. In retrospect, it probably would have helped things move faster, but speed was not necessarily my concern at the moment. I liked the birthing ball much better. Also, they changed the hospital bed all around so I could squat on the bed and lean forward onto the top part. That was more comfortable for me as well.

I think its nice to have options so you can do what feels right at the time.

Smartie26 · June 2013

I delivered my DD in the squat position, but in a birthing pool. I didn't tear but there are many reasons why that could have been ie position, water, perrenial massage, easing out baby with each contraction.

I couldn't imagine delivering on my back either!

Congratulations on your LO and wish you all the best when it comes time for L and D! You will do awesome!

JAck5209 · June 2013

I've never posted on this board but I was lurking and wanted to chime in. I gave birth to my daughter on a birthing stool and I really enjoyed the position. I had no plan for the actual pushing so when my midwife pulled out the stool I was willing to just go with the flow. DH was my back support and he helped hold up my legs. It felt awkward for a bit at the beginning but I could tell that the position was helping me push out the baby more easily. I pushed for 15 mins and had a 2nd degree tear (which wasn't so bad). I would definitely recommend the stool!

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