Did you hold your breath whilst pushing?

[VimtoLemonade]

Hi all

Just wanted to know if you held your breath whilst pushing or did you breathe through it? I always kind of thought it's a natural instinct to hold your breath to push but I have now heard it isn't good to and it can cause tearing

Due in 2 months so just trying to prepare myself :)

You naturally hold your breath when you push. They'll tell you when to breathe through it to stop you from tearing. Just listen to your midwife.

I didn’t!! I screamed until the midwife said to take a big breath and push like I was doing a poo (sorry tmi).

after an hour of pushing she came out quickly after that

Yes, you push like you're having a massive bowel movement. They tell you when to slow down and breathe.

Have a Google of 'down breathing' rather than holding your breath (purple pushing!) It's not just about tearing it also protects your pelvic floor.

It's actually quite good to practice while you're doing a poo to get used to what it feels like and protect your pelvic floor at the same time, especially if you're experiencing pregnancy related constipation.

I suppose it would also depend on what position you end up in. If lying on your back, down breathing might not be good enough without gravity to assist.

I don't think I did, honestly both my boys came quite quickly once I started pushing my first was 2/3 pushes & I don't remember holding my breath & I did tear but I think that's because he came so quickly but I was ok it wasn't bad & my second was about 5 pushes & I remember talking through it with the doctor & midwife,she had been one of my midwives on number 1 so was really comfortable with her, I remember laughing & feeling relaxed whilst pushing 😀 Definitely listen to the midwife etc

Thank you all!! Yes I never thought about the position/gravity actually. I will have a look at breathing down techniques 🙂