Firstly, I’d like to de-bunk the myth that pushing a baby out is like pushing out a bowling ball or a watermelon. On the contrary, you are not pushing out an in-flexible object. The five bony plates in the infant’s head have not yet fused into place, at the time of birth. Therefore, the head will essentially fit perfectly through the vaginal opening. Also the design of the vagina is made to expand and stretch accordion-style so a baby can get through. By utilizing proper positioning (non-supine means less pressure on the perineum), warm compresses, and gentle massage of the opening, you can minimize or prevent tearing altogether. Also, after the baby has crowned and the head stops slipping back after each push, you may want to “breathe the baby out” instead of forcefully pushing the body out. Just focus on breathing and allowing your body to ease the baby into this world. It can be tricky switching mentalities from a very active pushing stage up to that point, so it may be beneficial to have your partner remind you to gently “cough” or exhale by blowing to push the baby out at the very end. The most common comment I hear from women in the pushing stage is “I don’t know how to push”, so it’s a good idea to take some time to read up on this stage. This stage of labor is often enjoyable to women because they are so involved and actively working the baby out.

Tips for the Pushing Stage:

1.) If you just reached ten centimeters dilation, you don’t have to push right away, often there is a “rest and be thankful” stage where the baby can finish descending prior to pushing.
2.) Push with the urges and contractions of your body.
3.) Try several good pushes per contraction.
4.) Drink fluids to stay hydrated
5.) Contractions are further apart during this stage, so really rest in between them
6.) Push with your lower abdominal muscles and rectal muscles
7.) Try more than one position if pushing is slow or unproductive
8.) Avoid “Purple pushing” which includes prolonged breath holding
9.) Harness your breath and push it down towards your bottom
10.) Have people tell you about the progress you’re making, or use a mirror to focus.

What are you thoughts on the pushing stage?