I need some info on birthing stools! At my last birth and first home birth, where I *really* wanted to be while pushing was on the commode - but we had one of those tiny bathroom "stalls" and there was no room for me AND the midwife, let alone delivering a baby, etc., etc. But then I couldn't find a position that I liked - hands and knees was about all I could manage, but I didn't like, either. Finally delivered on my back, but again that wasn't optimal, I think.

So this time I'd like to look into a birthing stool so that maybe I can have the option of being upright WITH plenty of room and access for the midwife, etc. I'm going to inquire with my midwife in case she does have one (hasn't mentioned it), but wanted to find out how to get one and what to know about them just in case!

Any experiences would be great, too!!

i delivered my daughter using a birthing stool - my midwives brought it with them. my husband had to support me from behind while i pushed but it was defintely a huge help for us. i highly recommend trying it once the baby is close to being born.

There is a wonderful birthing stool kit that you can put together at home and taylored to your own height, varnish however you please. I googled the key words and was impressed how inexpensive kits are compared to readymade. By the way, premade stools are almost always too tall. You should be in a modified squat, like on a birthing ball, but your feet should be planted firmly on the floor. Too many times women use stools that are too tall, which is great for your birth attendant, but will cause pain and possible damage to your pelvic floor and bottom area. It is lovely to have your attendant apply hot compresses from a crockpot to your "area" to prevent damage, if you're not in the tub already. We have used plastic stools in a birthing tub too. As always waiting on your pushing reflex is the key. Your uncontrollable urge is what is important, not what a birth attendant feels is the right time. Good luck to you and may your birth be joyfull and simple. May you breathe your baby out with ease!

I found my midwives birthing stool extremely uncomfortable. She had this padded metal one and sitting the way you need to sit and pushing the way you need to push, I really did not like it one bit, and I got off of it pretty quickly. So anyways I'm recommending against getting the metal one, it has a specific name, but I forget it.

Sometimes birth stools are *too* effective at helping get the baby out and can increase tearing. As a midwife I don't recommend one for a second-or-more baby very often because the head of the baby can come flying out, it is so well applied to the perineum in that position. It is great for a first time mom, often, though, or a subsequent baby that is slow to come. When using one I often suggest the partner sit on the bed or chair behind, so the birthing woman can lean back into their lap in between contractions, and use their legs for support. I have noticed that most women when they squat they come back to a standing position in between contractions, whereas the stool tends to encourage women to stay in that supported squat position.

I hated the stool while in labor the first time and LOVED it the second time-- my babe was born in two pushes on the stool after lots of ineffective pushing in the tub! I would ask your MW. I would be willing to bet she already has one@

Great info; thanks! You know, my last birth was a VBAC, so I wonder if that had anything to do with the urge to be more upright? I did end up with some pretty good tearing (plenty of stitches) as I pushed him out very quickly by the time we'd dealt with things like a cervical lip and all of that. This time my goal is to not tear!! :D So I'll definitely check with my MW about it and see what she recommends in this situation.

Thanks!