What’s the best way to push your baby out?! The pushing stage of birth explained
This is the bit most of us worry about isn’t it? How am I actually going to get this baby out of there?! This blog post will explain exactly what is happening at this stage of birth and HOW you can work with your body to make it as easy as possible!
What happens during the pushing stage of labour?
Up until this point, your contractions would have been working to dilate your cervix, opening it up to allow baby to pass through and be born. When you get to 10cm dilated, your uterus and your contractions will change what they are doing. Now, your uterus muscles will contract in a way that powerfully moves baby down your birth canal. This happens without you really needing to do anything - your uterus contracts and knows what it’s doing all by itself - and now, your baby is coming!!
What does the pushing stage of labour feel like?
This is personal to everyone - lot’s of women describe it as almost an uncontrollable urge to bear down, some women will feel the need to squat, some women feel like they need to do a poo! You may feel pressure in your bum or between your legs as baby’s head moves further down toward your vagina opening. Your contractions during the pushing stage of labour will be powerful and purposeful.
What should I do during the pushing stage of labour?
Ultimately, tune in to your body and your instincts here. If you feel an overwhelming urge to actually push your baby out, like as if you are pushing out a poo, then go with it. Lots of women who practice hypnobirthing will use birth breathing which involves focussed breathing in to your belly to help your uterus move baby down.
You might find it really helpful to find a position that allows you to be upright, forward and open as we know these types of birth positions make for a smoother, quicker and more comfortable birth.
During the pushing stage of labour, the back part of your pelvis, where your tail bone is, has the ability to move back, out of the way, to create more space for baby to pass through. Consider positions that allow that part of your back to be exposed to allow your pelvis to open as it needs to.
Imagine laying on your back, in a bed… this position prevents your tail bone area from moving as the bed is in the way! That’s way being upright, maybe on all fours, standing, squatting, will allow for more space and an easier birth.
How do I breathe my baby out during the pushing stage of labour?
In my hypnobirthing course I teach a breathing strategy that not only makes the pushing stage of labour easier, it also assists in preventing tearing and makes the act of being born more comfortable and calm for your baby. As standard, women have always been coached to push by midwives. By that, I mean that when a woman gets to 10cm dilated, a midwife will suggest forced or ‘purple pushing’, which involves holding your breath, putting your chin to chest and pushing as hard as you can. This isn’t considered the best way to birth your baby!
Another option is to take a quick, deep breath in through your nose, and intentionally breathe out like you are blowing our a candle or blowing up a balloon - sending the breath in to your stomach and feel it tensing when you practice.
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It might help to visualise your out breath as a coffee plunger! Moving down in to your stomach and pushing baby down.
The best place to practice this is every time you do a poo! Practicing this type of breathing trains your body that this is the way to get something out. Doing a poo is also a very similar sensation to giving birth so it’s an excellent way to get lots of practice in and master the birth breathing technique.