If I have a natural birth in hospital do I have to be on my back?

Question

Everything i am reading about all natural birth says that you shouldn’t do it on your back. I am giving birth in a hospital with a doctor- are they going to make me be on my back? Is it considered in your back if you’re sitting up? Someone help! Lol

Answer

Some hospitals are still in this mindset, but many are not. Our hospital welcomes mothers to be in the position they find most beneficial for delivery. 
One woman wanted to be on a birthing stool and was resting her head and arms on the bed. She also had dim lighting and soft music. It was working for her so the doctor didn’t disrupt it. He laid on the floor under the bed with a flashlight to deliver the baby. Likely not all doctors would do this, but some are pretty awesome :)

Answer

Just to put this out there. I delivered on my back on the floor (padded mat) it was just fine! It was the most comfortable position for me. I wouldn’t have been able to crouch or kneel as I felt like I couldn’t rely on my legs. 
When it comes to it you will know what’s the most comfortable for you! 
As above the doctors can’t force you but in the same respect. If they need you on your back for a medical reason please listen to them.

Answer

I had my son alone with no doctor in the room ,  on my knees. 😝 He came out in one push & it was way easier than pushing on my back

Answer

My hospital sucks. They don’t allow vbacs, or anything. You must deliver in the bed, legs in stirrups. If induced you can’t get up during labor, they immediately stick in a catheter. Horrible practices. I would call the hospital you are delivering at and ask their policies. Hopefully they aren’t as outdated as our small hospital.

Answer

No! They will advice you to do so, but that because that is what they are trained to do because it is easiest for them. Remember, THEY ARE SERVING YOU. You are paying them for their service. Tell them what you are going to do instead if allowing them. You don't have to be rude about it, just be courteous & tell them "I'm going to get on my hands & knees now." They're not there to tell you how to give birth, they're there to help you give birth. Be confident.  Nurses are amazing.

Answer

Absolutely not. You do whatever you are comfortable with. I am having a doula for my natural birth in a hospital due to the last time I felt I was forced into things and I didn’t understand what was going on. They hooked me up to a bunch of stuff, made me lay down and even broke my water without my knowledge, just merely as they were doing it saying, “we’re breaking your water now.” Before I could protest.
A doula would be another person that’s wholly concerned with what you want and your specific birth plan and will be there to have things explained to you when you are not fully understanding because your in crazy labor.

Answer

No

Answer

They can’t make you do anything! If you want to be on your back fine, but if you want to squat, walk, be on your hands and knees then do it they can’t stop you!

Answer

Remember that YOU are paying THEM, not the other way around. Yes, they may try to make you, but in no way do you have to listen. They only make you do that because it's easier on the doctor, but they should be doing everything to make it easier on YOU! I suggest hiring a doula if you are going to try for a natural birth in a hospital (it did it, so it's possible).

If I have a natural birth in hospital do I have to be on my back?

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