How To Push During Labor: Push Baby Out This Way!

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.
Get Practical Tips
Whether you're a first-time parent or looking to refresh your knowledge, this guide will provide you with practical tips, expert advice, and effective strategies to optimize your pushing during childbirth.
Discover the importance of proper positioning, breathing techniques, and timing to ensure a more positive delivery experience. Our experienced childbirth educators will demonstrate various methods to help you better understand how to work with your body during labor.
Join us as we empower you with the knowledge and skills needed for a successful labor experience.
Let's Get Started
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
How to PUSH DURING LABOR
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.
Get 200+ FREE Pregnancy Workouts >
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.
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 labor - 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.
The Pushing Phase
When it comes to labor, one of the most crucial moments is the pushing phase. It's a moment of truth, where all your preparation and anticipation culminate in bringing your baby into the world.
But for many expectant mothers, the thought of pushing can be daunting, and even overwhelming. That's why it's essential to understand the importance of labor pushing techniques, and how they can make all the difference in achieving a smoother delivery experience.
Can I Push?
Many expectant mothers worry about their ability to push effectively, fearing that they won't be able to do it right, or that they'll end up needing interventions like forceps or cesarean sections.
Some may have heard horror stories from friends or family members, or have seen dramatic depictions of childbirth on TV or in movies.
Others may simply feel uncertain about what to expect, and how they'll cope with the physical demands of pushing. But the truth is, with the right techniques and mindset, you can overcome your fears and push like a pro!
Get 200+ FREE Pregnancy Workouts >
Pushing is More than Just Physical
One common misconception is that pushing is a purely physical act, requiring brute strength and endurance. But the reality is that pushing is just as much a mental game as it is physical. It's about timing, breathing, and positioning – and of course, having the right support system in place.
When you understand the nuances of pushing, you can focus on what really matters: bringing your baby into the world in the safest and most empowering way possible.
You Won't Fail!
Another fear that many expectant mothers have is that they'll somehow "fail" at pushing, or that they'll exhaust themselves in the process.
But the truth is, pushing is a natural process that your body is capable of handling – as long as you listen to your instincts and trust in your own strength.
By understanding your body's capabilities and limitations, you can work with your healthcare team to develop a pushing plan that's tailored to your unique needs and goals.
Pushing Techniques
The different pushing techniques that can help you feel more confident and in control. One popular method is open-glottis pushing, which involves taking slow, deep breaths and holding them for a few seconds before exhaling slowly.
This can help you generate more power and momentum with each push, while also reducing tension and discomfort. Another technique is breathing-focused pushing, where you concentrate on your breathing rhythm to help you stay relaxed and focused.
And of course, there are various positioning techniques that can help you optimize your body's natural alignment and leverage – from squatting to kneeling to standing.
Try this Technique
Practically speaking, here are some tips to keep in mind when using these techniques.
For open-glottis pushing, try to breathe in for a count of four, hold for a count of four, and exhale for a count of four.
This can help you establish a consistent rhythm and generate more power with each push. For breathing-focused pushing, try to focus on your breath as you inhale, and imagine your body expanding and opening up with each inhale.
And for positioning, experiment with different options to find what feels most comfortable and empowering for you – whether that's squatting, kneeling, or standing with support.