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Childbirth

Why are you NOT supposed to start pushing when you want to?

31 replies

LuLuBaihasbeenagoodgirl · 03/12/2008 18:02

I've (hopefully) got months before I have to put this into practice, but I was just thinking about jotting down some notes for my birth plan.

WIth DD I did push when I felt like I needed to (I just didn't tell anyone) but I know you aren't supposed to until they tell you to.

But surely you should just trust your body to do what it needs to?

What is the science behind the idea that you shouldn't push?

OP posts:

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StarlightWonderStarlightBright · 04/12/2008 16:40

I was made to push with no urge, directed by the midwives. Contractions waned. It took 3 hours. I got 2nd degree tear.

I was left completely alone with no guidance or anyone touching me for DC2. Pushed when I felt like it. 20mins. I got a 2nd degree tear.

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downbutnotout · 04/12/2008 20:38

Hi starlight - which was better?

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StarlightWonderStarlightBright · 05/12/2008 18:12

The second by far! I felt in control, had personal space, no-one was talking to me, distracting me or moving me around. I was MUCH more comfortable, and I followed my body to find the best position to deliver in. I DID have a MW by the way, but she was just sitting on a stool in the corner watching.

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downbutnotout · 06/12/2008 21:49

Oh, I dream of being able to do that, starlight. Was it a home birth?

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StarlightWonderStarlightBright · 07/12/2008 14:26

No downbutnotout I was aiming for a homebirth initially , but when I realised that neither I or my dH had any confidence in the homebirth team, and when they starting to get heavy about what ws allowed or not, I phoned the Edgeware Birth Centre and talked through my birth plan. They implied that some things were a little unusual but not at all radical and agreed to support it, so I gave birth there.

The best bit was that I was so confident in where I was giving birth and not at all nervous about going in, it made the labour very relaxing before I even set off. So much so I was dozing between contractions to the lull of the car engine and gave birth jus after 90 mins of arriving.

The MW commented that I had a high pain threshold, but that is nonsense because I was begging for an epidural or a gun at just 2cm with my first.

When are you due?

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jadey24 · 07/12/2008 16:49

When i had my dd ( first child) i expected clear instructions on when to push etc. I was my sister's birthing partner before i fell pregnant and they told her what to do throughout. When i went into labour i was told nothing. And when i started to push i didnt know thats what i was doing at first untill they said oh she is pushing nw lol and just left to me to my own devices & let me do as i pleased.

At first i pushed when i had the urge but after 3 hours of pushing i had enough and when i got the urge and it passed i would just force push a little more but couldnt too much. I did end up with a 2nd degree tear but i prob would anyway. I wouldnt advise it lol coz it hurts more too & yeh i think it can deffo increase risk of tearing.