How to Push During Labor

Do you know How to PUSH DURING LABOR? Today, I want to help empower you with the knowledge you need to go into your childbirth with greater confidence. You need to understand the process for pushing baby out during labor.

Childbirth education is a must for all expecting mamas. unfortunately, many do not get the required training they need and deserve. I am working on changing that every day through my online course.

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The uterus is a muscle and it's role, in labor, is to contract to help push the baby's head onto to the cervix to dilate the cervix and then for the baby's head to travel down the birth canal out into the world.

Just like any other muscle, it can get tired from working so hard. As the uterus gets tired, the contractions become more intense.

Here I demonstrate, using a balloon, the role of the uterus and how it works to press the baby downwards.

Using gravity can help the uterus work and the baby to rotate downwards. Swaying, moving bouncing on a ball. It all helps.

I go into more detail on how you can progress through labor in my FREE ACTIVE BIRTH CLASS

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How to PUSH DURING LABOR Video from my YouTube Channel

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How do you push during labor so you don't tear?

A good way to do it is to deliver in an upright position. Positions such as squatting or using a birthing stool can also be effective in reducing the risk of tearing. Ideally you can try to push in a position that isn't flat on your back.

What does pushing a baby out feel like?

Many mamas I have spoken to say that they experience increased pressure in their rectum, perineum, and low back at this stage. You may also feel that rectal pressure feels the same as having a bowel movement when going to the toilet.

When you start to see baby's head coming out; you may experience a stretching or burning sensation.

Can a woman not push during labor?

Not pushing for one to two hours immediately after the second stage of labor begins is a practice called 'Laboring down'. This practice may help your baby descend into the birth canal more naturally. And it may also reduce the overall time you have to push.

Related: PregActive Birth Preparation Course

What is Laboring Down?

As discussed previously, laboring down is the process of not actively pushing once the second stage of labor and intense contractions begin.

Can you refuse to push during labor?

You can delay pushing. Before going into birth you should have discussed all options and preferences with your midwife. You can delay pushing until you feel the need to bear down.

What is the most painful part of childbirth?

Every women has a different experience when it comes to childbirth. Many women find the most painful part of labor and delivery to be the contractions, while some others may feel pushing or post-delivery is most painful. You may also experience discomfort or pain during labor and delivery that is caused by pressure on the bladder and bowels.

What is the hardest part of pushing a baby out?

I think you will find that is stage 2 of labour - Transition. Contractions are one on top of the other as your cervix dilates to 10 centimetres.

What hurts more contractions or pushing?

Most women would say that having contractions was the most painful part of delivery. Some would say that pushing or post-delivery was most painful.

Why do midwives tell you not to push?

Generally this is because your cervix is not fully dilated. If baby is in an occiput posterior position you will feel the urge to push before the cervix is completely open.

Can babies come out without pushing?

Yes. The fetal ejection reflex (Ferguson reflex) is when the body 'expels' a baby involuntarily without forced pushing on your part.

What's the least painful way to give birth?

Your medical practitioner can give you an epidural anesthesia during labor. This is regional anesthesia that can help to reduce pain in a certain part of the body.

How long is the average first time labor?

Again it varies for every woman. But for first-time mamas, it can last from 12 to 19 hours. It may be shorter for mamas who have already had children.

Does giving birth smell?

Lochia is the vaginal discharge you have after childbirth. Postpartum bleeding is a normal part of your recovery after birth. It contains a mix of blood, mucus and uterine tissue and as a result can have a stale, musty odor like menstrual period discharge. 

How long will a midwife let you push?

When having your first baby, the pushing stage should last no longer than three hours. If you have had a baby before, it should take no more than 2 hours. Your midwife will help and encourage you as well as your birth partner.

How long do doctors let you push before C section?

This may be specific with each individual doctor but generally the guideline will be for you to push for at least two hours if you have delivered a baby before and three hours if it is your first baby. You may be encouraged to push longer if you have had an epidural and as long as the doctor can see progress.

Why hold breath during pushing?

Your doctor may encourage you to stop pushing when they see baby's head or to do quick shallow breaths. This allows for your tissues to stretch and allows your baby's head to ease out. It is important to let your health care team to guide you through this stage. Learn more about pushing positions.

How long will I bleed after birth?

Postpartum bleeding last for between four and six weeks after giving birth. Some women may bleed for longer or shorter than this.

What is purple pushing?

Directed pushing, also called 'purple pushing,' is when pregnant people are instructed to hold their breath, bear down, and push for approximately 10 seconds at a time.