Question about labor positioning...

[rmzbm]

OK, I have a question. I am planning a VBAC after 4 sections. I have a midwife who is basically on call for labor. But I really really like her & I'm feeling ok with her being there so she likely will regardless. We'll see. ANYHOW - - I was talking to her on the phone this AM & she said something that I'd not heard before & I wanted to see what the MW's here thought. She said that because I am a VBAC that it would be best for me to spend the early parts of labor, until things pick up, on the bed rotating sides. (Flipping from laying on my left side to right side...) She said this takes the stress off the incision, etc. I have/had no plans of laboring this way. What I invisioned was spending the early part walking then using the pool. She's all for the pool...after 5cm. She said the water really slows labor down. I dunno, this kind'a makes me uneasy. Kind'a feeling like "here we go, give your power away just like you KNEW would happen..." *sigh* We disagree on a couple other things, but they're really small issues. In the end it's up to me but she's really pushing this early labor in bed thing. Thoughts?

[SublimeBirthGirl]

Never heard the scar thing. Getting into water too early sometimes slows things down though.

[rmzbm]

Yeah, I've never heard that either. Regardless, I have no intention of doing it. I want to stay moving as much as I can.

[happyartmama]

Never heard of the early labor in bed thing--wouldn't the higher level of stress on the incision be later in labor anyway?....But I concur with the water advice. I encourage clients, if they can, to hold off on the tub until 5 cm (or so) because prolonged time in there can slow things down. Haven't seen the same effect with smaller time frames though (in tub or shower for 20 minutes, then out and moving, then back maybe an hour or two later again, and so on).

[rmzbm]

Originally Posted by happyartmama

Never heard of the early labor in bed thing--wouldn't the higher level of stress on the incision be later in labor anyway?....But I concur with the water advice. I encourage clients, if they can, to hold off on the tub until 5 cm (or so) because prolonged time in there can slow things down. Haven't seen the same effect with smaller time frames though (in tub or shower for 20 minutes, then out and moving, then back maybe an hour or two later again, and so on).

That's good to know! Will keep that in mind...thanks!

[MsBlack]

Never heard of this being in bed thing for VBAC...don't especially like the sound of it. For one thing, I don't like the thought of a standard formula being applied rather than simply supporting mama's own instincts. For another, I just don't see how it would be helpful to the scar. Of my HBAC clients, some stayed very active throughout, some tended toward still/relaxed positions, always their choice. Only input I gave on positioning--same as for any mama--is either if I discovered funky heart tones (because often, a position change will resolve that) or if mama wanted input due to her own discomfort and wish for suggestions...so in either case, fairly unusual for me to say anything about positioning

ITA with others on the tub--just don't overuse it early on. But I think you will know whether or not it is decreasing contrax--yes, the warm water takes the edge off pain/perception of contrax for most moms, but the mom usually can still feel how strong the contrax are and whether or not the water is reducing their power. Just pay attention....as with everything else at your birth.

[1stimestar]

If you are birthing in a location that requires continuous monitoring for VBACs then that may be the reason she is suggesting movement while laying down.

[rmzbm]

Originally Posted by 1stimestar

If you are birthing in a location that requires continuous monitoring for VBACs then that may be the reason she is suggesting movement while laying down.

I am birthing at home.

[nashvillemidwife]

Originally Posted by happyartmama

I encourage clients, if they can, to hold off on the tub until 5 cm (or so) because prolonged time in there can slow things down.

It's been my observation that prolonged time in the water can also promote tearing because the tissue is oversaturated - if your fingers are pruny, think what it's doing to the perineum. Again, just my observation.