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May 2015 Moms
Mellerknee
member
Pushing Positions/Some venting
Mellerknee
member
Like most of you, I've been doing a lot of reading. 
One of the things I've come around in even the most mainline pregnancy literature recommends pushing in positions other than flat on your back. Now, I know that pain relief choices really play a large role in how mobile you are during labor and delivery, but if I make it to the pushing stage without an epidural (that's the goal, but you never know, I could have a low pain tolerance/need to get some rest), I'd like to try squatting. I've read that it makes your pelvis larger, in addition to working with gravity.
That said, I asked during our hospital birthing class about pushing positions (because all they were showing was a bed with stirrups) and she said I could push in any position I wanted. The hospital even has squat bars (just three, but at least they've got them). BUT--I have to deliver in bed on my back "for safety". I'm thrilled they aren't banning squatting altogether, but don't really understand how they can force me to deliver flat on my back. Can I even get into the stirrups at that point in the pushing process? It's not like I'm asking to push my son out onto the hospital floor!
Obviously, if I get an epidural, I'm fine with the whole stirrup situation since it comes with the territory, but really would like to have my own say if I'm going med-free (especially since I'll want to be in what position works best for me, and--heck--it could be on my back in stirrups...I just want options).
Thoughts? Anyone in a similar situation? Any STMs who gave birth naturally in stirrups?
One of the things I've come around in even the most mainline pregnancy literature recommends pushing in positions other than flat on your back. Now, I know that pain relief choices really play a large role in how mobile you are during labor and delivery, but if I make it to the pushing stage without an epidural (that's the goal, but you never know, I could have a low pain tolerance/need to get some rest), I'd like to try squatting. I've read that it makes your pelvis larger, in addition to working with gravity.That said, I asked during our hospital birthing class about pushing positions (because all they were showing was a bed with stirrups) and she said I could push in any position I wanted. The hospital even has squat bars (just three, but at least they've got them). BUT--I have to deliver in bed on my back "for safety". I'm thrilled they aren't banning squatting altogether, but don't really understand how they can force me to deliver flat on my back. Can I even get into the stirrups at that point in the pushing process? It's not like I'm asking to push my son out onto the hospital floor!
Obviously, if I get an epidural, I'm fine with the whole stirrup situation since it comes with the territory, but really would like to have my own say if I'm going med-free (especially since I'll want to be in what position works best for me, and--heck--it could be on my back in stirrups...I just want options).
Thoughts? Anyone in a similar situation? Any STMs who gave birth naturally in stirrups?
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Pushing Positions/Some venting
So in summary my recommendation is this:
1. While labouring, avoid laying down if at all possible
2. If you end up on your back there are still options and it can still feel empowering to push your baby out. It took us a few positions (side lying etc) to find the towel thing that worked best for me.
Hope that gives a little insight
Sebastian 3-11-14
Simon 5-2-15
Baby #3 Due 9-29-16
As part of your birth plan you can communicate to your doctor whether you want an episiotomy.
I don't remember thinking that I wanted to be in another position while I was pushing her out....I was in too much pain to think of anything else!