Squatting During Second Stage of Labor

I had two water births so did not squat in the traditional sense, but I did assume a squatting position in the water. We rented a fantastic birth pool from our midwife so my husband was able to be in the water behind me and support me. During a contraction he would tip me forward and I would get into a squatting position and push. When the contraction was over I would just lean back down against his shoulder and rest and I was able to stretch out in the water rather nicely. It gave me the best of both worlds...I could rest AND have the optimum position for pushing.

I had my kids in the dark ages when mothers had to lie on their backs in hospital beds. I'm so glad that it's becoming more acceptable to allow mothers to do the things their bodies are telling them to do since it IS a natural process after all. It's too bad that in many cases the entire childbirth experience is still being centered around what makes things easy for the doctor. But it is encouraging that it's at least beginning to change.

I did with my last labor. My son was coming fast and furious, and squatting was the only way I felt in control and less pain. It also made it so much easier to push him out. I was in labor for about 2 hours and it took three pushes to deliver him. I have no doubt that it would have taken more out of me and caused me more pain if I had to lay on my back to deliver him. With my others I was able to labor on a birthing ball and push while on my hands and knees.

I used a birthing ball on my last labour, the baby's position caused a lot of back pain for me ( his back was to my back)and I found the ball really good, would certainly use it again in the future if the need arises.

I used a birthing ball too, I also had a sunny side up baby, that hurt! After awhile I was in the bed, got an epidural to prepare for a cesarean :( But didn't need it afterall, dang hospital births!

I didn't have that option with my daughter, what with the stupid epidural and monitors and not being allowed out of the bed. *sigh* I will definitely try it with my next birth - at home.

No and I wish I had squatted. I was mostly too tired to hold myself up and recieved no encouragement to squat. I was lying down for all 3 hours of my labour.

I was going to try to have my baby while squating but the onl posiion I could be in was lying on my side. I knoe someone who delivered 2 of her babies squatting and thaey came right out.