Any tips on how to push the baby out easier?

[senem]

Hi,
I have some problems with my eyes so trying to find out if there are some methods to push the baby out without creating too much pressure on my eyes and straining myself too much

on your knees

baby 2 - 20 minutes
baby 3 - 7 minutes

hypnobirthing/ breathing the baby out might be helpful

also, not pushing unless you have the urge.

definitely not on your back

DON'T LIE DOWN
thassit

One suggestion - get yourself a birthing pool, float like a frog to make the most space possible in your pelvis and shout to relieve physical pressure in diaphragm whilst pushing.

also - don't lie down!!!! i know it's been said but it is sooo improtant if you want to avoid too much heavy pushing, as has also been said, on your knees/upright leaning over

hope all goes well xxx

how do you breathe the baby out?

I second not lying down! I think if you lie down at any point in your labour, they'll be no getting up again.

I've been lying down each time, on my side never had a problem.

I think you can make a mistake if you over think it - do what feels right at the time.

said it on the other post - squat, trust me.

My first birth was a nightmare and ds1 got badly stuck with shoulder dystocia - nearly didnt make it.

Consequesntly I was very worried about ds2 birth and did lots of research on best position for preventing it happenning again and overwhelming evidence is no lying down, standing preferably squatting.

I squatted towards the end, dp holding me under the arms and he just plopped out, no bother.

I delivered ds2 kneeling up leaning over the back of the headrest part of the bed (comfy due to spd) and it was far far easier than ds1 where I was sprawled on my back on the bed

Think Gravity!

squatting/ kneeling/ leaning forwards- and less damage to your perineum too.

Hi Senem

When are you due?

Definitely agree with most of the posts above - try staying off your back.
Keep moving, upright / on all fours / squatting - whatever feels most comfortable.
Water is also great!

What about having a Doula? I am a Doula and research has shown that having a Doula present at a birth:
? Shortens first-time labour by an average of 2 hours
? Decreases the chance of caesarean section by 50%
? Decreases the need for pain medication
? Helps fathers participate with confidence
? Increases success in breastfeeding
[sorry for the quoting....]

If you would like more info, please give me a shout!

Try not worry yourself too much about this...

I agree, try not to lie down. I was doing fine squatting, and leaning over the bed. Took 5 minutes to get from 4 cm dilated to pushing and seeing babies head. Gravity must have took over? Breathing is easier aswell this way. You can pant and take in deep breaths. The mid wife told me to lie down, and I couldn't get back up again. This way, it took 2 hrs of pushing !!!I found that I held my breath in this position - which if you practise now, will make your eyes bulge !! Be confident enough to say which way you are comfortable - I didn't, and know I would have been quicker staying how I started!
Oh yeah, as soon as you feel the burning sensation on the perenium, your vertually there, so relax and it will 'pop' out in a few pushes.( I fought the contractions, cause I was scared of tearing) know for next time to just go for it! Enjoy it, great experience!

I only pushed twice with dd2, i spent 2 hours in the birthing pool and then opted for an epidurl (im a wimp), dd2 came 30 minutes later after 2 pushes.

I had dd1 on all 4's, i was pushing for 4 hours

i had to lie down. Did it with ds and wanted to try a different way when dd came but couldn't get comfy in any other position. You need to be open minded..

With ds a held back at the pushing stage and prolonged things...

..so with dd was determined not to do this. Pushed wilt all my might and ended up with (tmi alert - warning to look away now) v painful piles

if i was having a third i would be thinking about not pushing at all (!!). there are some very interesting threads in archives here ( in childbirth i think and since feb 07) about not actively pushing at pushing time...

see here

VBM - does that mean there is a good physiological reason for shouting?
I was told off for wasting my energy

Keep as upright as possible. Pressure is a natural anaesthetic so the weight of the babys head on the pereneum numbs it nicely. Use a position that it comfortable to you. Birthing balls or stools are quite good.

Got at your bodies own pace. If you try to rush it you are more likely to get a tear or graze.

Keep calm and relaxed. You don't want to get your blood pressure up or exhaust yourself hyperventilating or pushing for england. Tru to 'breath down' the baby. He doesn't really have far to travel so imagine each deep slow out breath is nudging him down gently and smoothly.

Before the birth practice relaxation techniques - visualisation, hypnosis, whatever relaxes you and try to play the same music as you relax. At the birth, if you play the same music your body will automatically relax as you hear it.

Birth can also be a bit boring so make sure that you have entertainment - music, radio, books, amusing husband, etc. Birth partner also has to keep you relaxed, fed, watered, massaged, supplied with cool damp flannels for your forehead... in fact anything you need to keep relaxed.

Interesting about getting piles when going for the pushing. Maybe I won't just go for it nxt time?

Hi sunshinedoula,
yes I will be having a doula present. But things are very different here (I live in İstanbul) as they are in England. Anyway I am happy to know my doula is experienced and has patience and is a very nice calming person.
Thank you for your tips just keep them coming.

My doula also said that pushing while squatting can cause atear so you have to be controlled. No idea if you can be controlled at that stage but we will see. I am due on 6-7 March

Doulas are good. Having one generally shortens labour.

My labour was very quick, only just got me on the delivery bed.
I started on my knees leaning over the back of the bed and once the head was showing i had to move over to my back (as started tearing) with my partner pushing my legs towards me as I pushed them out. Was great I dint feel like I used much energy as he was helping me (like folding me in half!!!) very quick and painless

I pushed my son out in 6 mins - on my knees leaning over the headboard of the bed, knees far apart but fet together so really opening the pelvis

Try not to push, but allow your body to do whatever feels instinctive. Blow continuously and slowly in long breaths out through your mouth (you can practise in advance when doing a number 2 )