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| |    The Birth of Your Baby by Lisa Rodriguez, R.N. and Marjorie Greenfield, M.D. reviewed and revised by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D. When you reach the point of pushing, you may actually feel a sense of relief that the time has finally come and you are able to play an active role in this part of labor . As you work to bring your baby into the world, it helps to remind yourself that you will soon be introduced to this little one who has been living inside you for all of these months. Feelings you may experience
For you to push effectively, you must find a comfortable position. You might push in several different positions before you actually give birth. In most of the pushing positions, you should think of rounding your body into a C position, tucking your chin into your chest and rounding your back. Your coaches can help support you in this position. It is helpful to grasp your thighs behind your knees, for extra leverage, as you round into your C position. Pushing is easier if gravity is helping you. Squatting or kneeling lets you push with gravity in your favor. Sometimes, if the baby is having difficulty getting under the pubic bone, lying on your back with your legs flexed back (thighs brought up toward your chest) can be very effective. You may also want to get on your hands and knees to push. It is often a good idea to change positions to see which works best for you. Breathing There are several ways to breathe as you push. Much of this will be dictated by which method of childbirth education you are using. The important thing to remember is to take your cleansing breaths, get into position and use your breathing technique until the end of the contraction. Rest between contractions as much as possible. Close your eyes. Try to relax all of your muscles as you breathe out. Bearing down When you feel the contraction starting to build, bear down as if you were having a bowel movement. Keep the push at a constant pressure. Relax your perineum as much as possible as you bear down. It may be helpful to have a warm washcloth on your perineum, to relax the muscles and to help you focus on pushing toward that area. You may also want to have the nurse or doula bring in a mirror so that you can see your perineum as you bear down. With each push, you will see your progress. The birth As your baby's head appears (or "crowns"), you may feel stinging and stretching on your perineum. Your doctor or midwife may do an episiotomy to widen the opening of the birth canal. After your practitioner delivers the baby's head, she may ask you not to push as she suctions the baby's nose and mouth. She will tell you when to push again to deliver the baby's body. As you push the baby out, you may want to open your eyes and experience this miracle fully.
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