How to push

[savidgerl]

I know it sounds stupid but I got really confused about pushing at the birth of DS.
What is the most effective way of thinking about it? Does one actually need to push as I didn't really feel the urge to. Anxious to avoid the same situation next time. I am 34 weeks pg.

Also I think you'e body is more preparedfor it 2nd time around, mine certainly was. I'm sure there's people who have had different experiences, but htats mine. Good luck xx

I decided that I would only push when my body told me to, and the midwife said it was ok (so that I wouldn't push before I was fully dilated). As it happened, I wanted to push before I got the all clear, so I just concentrated on breathing during the contractions.

Then when I was supposed to push, I made a conscious effort to breath while pushing as apparently the push is less harsh, less likely to tear. But the obstetrician told me it would take ages to get my dd out that way, and I should just push as hard as I possibly could, as though I was pooing a really, really big poo. Probably worth mentioning that dd's heart rate was dipping so they needed to get her out fast. Also, when pushing looked towards my nether regions as apparently that helps focus the mind (although I can't believe I could be any more focussed!!! ). And that did the trick. Got dd out in about 4 or 5 pushes.

HTH

Research shows that directed pushing doesn't reduce the lenght of labour by that much. I does however increase the risk of perineal trauma. It also places more trauma on the baby and causes its oxygen supply to decrease.

What does help with the birth process is birthing in an environment where you feel safe and are more likely to focus in on yourself. Be mobile and creative with position changes as the baby negotiates your pelvis. This will allow you to experience a physiological second stage. The rhombus opens up (rise in your back as baby makes its escape) and the baby has plenty of room to come out, the baby has a gentle birth and harsh pushing is not necessary. Laying on your back inhibits this physiological action, therefore giving less room for the baby and potentially more work for mum.

Hoopoe, how many obsteatritions spend hours watching women birthing independently. You know your own body.

With first labour I had an epidural and pushed like hell for an hour and tore badly.

With second was completely natural and didn't push at all - my body just did it for me - came out in about 15 mins lying on my side, too!!