birthing positions and epidurals

[Fairdus]

I'm a FTM and I'm understanding from you gals that birthing positions are important and can help things like comfort and hurrying the pushing along...am I right?
Anyways I was wondering how you would be able to switch birthing positions with an epidural... Is that even possible? Do epidurals confine you to be on your back?
Just wondering... Pretty sure I want an epidural!

[cecilia_morgan]

Yup that is y I  going all natural. I was induced with firat child and had a epidural and absolutely hated it. And ended up having a cesarean. I am 4'10 and I am not giving birth on my back! Forst baby was 8.6 shes measuring right on track to be ab the same. I will be squatting to push. Need the extra room. Squatting cam increase your pelvis size by up to 30%!

[love_being_his_mrs]

Good point about checking beforehand with what hospital offers! Everything varies!

[Laflam09]

I had three epidural s and none of them worked and I even stood up on the bed and the anitis. Was wowed bc he was saying there is no way she could be doing that with 3 of them

[libellula]

With a "waking epidural" you can be in other positions with assistance (like the railing of the bed). My friend just did it and birthed basically squatting with a nurse behind her for balance. But not all hospitals offer it, so you'll need to ask beforehand.

[love_being_his_mrs]

Nope :( it would be unsafe to move because you are numb. I've heard of a walking epidural, but unsure if Dr would still allow you to be in any spot but your back.  On your back also increases tearing risks vs side lying or all 4s position.

It's up to you! It's all about the birth you want. For some, not having the pain is worth that. For me, being a VBAC Momma, I need to know if something is "off" so I can let my caregivers know. So I feel more comfortable going all natural.  Plus, I can move around and get into a comfortable position as things progress...so hopefully shorter labor!

[CortGrey]

There are different levels of epidurals. There is one that is more localized allowing you to move a bit more. But with any epidural, you're pretty darn numb!

[LibraMum]

With mine I couldn't even feel contractions or pressure they had to watch the monitor & instruct me when to push

[LibraMum]

Yes you will be confined to one position because you're numb from the waist down.