in May 2025 Babies 🇬🇧

Birthing positions

Already here May baby Mumma’s or second time mums advice please… what position were you in during labour? What did you find most helpful? You read so much stuff about the traditional - on your back pushing being the least helpful for creating space for baby but do they encourage that position in the hospital?

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Not given birth yet but I’ve been taught UFO. Upright. Forward. Open. 🛸

My midwives wouldn't allow anything other than on my back with my two girls, and I wish I had shouted louder for myself and tried on my knees or squatting. I have read so many positive things for both mum and baby in those positions. Equally, a lot of it comes down to how you feel in the moment. With my first, the contractions were most painful in those positions, so I was on my back to try and relieve some pain, and I think that's why they kept me like that? I will try and advocate this time around though to not be led down.

I was on my knees leaning forward in the birthing pool. The midwives made me flip on my back to get her shoulders and body out and I regret that, it was so much more difficult to push from that position. Better to work with gravity if you can! Knees in to open up your pelvis

They encourage that position because it's the easiest for them. I've said specifically that I want to keep moving this time around. Obviously a lot depends on what's going on in the moment. If they have to hook you up to monitors or IVs or you have an epidural you won't be given much choice of positions (although you should still try and advocate for a different position on the bed if that's what's right for you!) X

I was on my knees and over a chair/ball at home until I was 9cm then only position I wanted was on my back at the hospital. But midwife was happy whatever. You'll just know xx

Just follow what feels good for you. I started on my knees supporting eith hands on a bean bag, but ended up almost on my back/ side as the pain was too intense. Midwifes were great and encouraged me to be on the side instead of the back to leave room for baby to come out.

I was on my knees on the bed leaning over the back with my 2nd. I couldn’t bear to be on my back and I think this position made pushing so much easier as he was out in 10 minutes

i was in bed on my back cause i had an epidural, tho i would really recommend trying to be as mobile as you can as it makes everything so much easier, i tore really badly and i blame a lot of it on being a potato in bed for 20 hours. this time round i’m gonna try and avoid an epidural so i can walk around or just stand by the bed