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We know this is a pretty hot topic right now and we've been getting quite a few questions about whether moms should bear down and push their babies out OR if they should let their body do the work on its own. Well, as per usual, we've broken down all of the details you will need in order to answer this burning question. We discuss the length of the pushing stage, what it looks like with or without an epidural, why dilation and position matter, and even give tons of real-life examples of what this all looks like.

Show Notes

4:35 - What the second stage is and what you can expect during this stage.

5:40 - What does a prolonged pushing stage look like? We talk about the guidelines, outcomes, and recommendations.

9:48 - Babies that are in the birth canal for an extended period of time may have increased risks to baby once they are born. We talk about that here as well as reasons baby may stay there for a bit.

13:21 - What pushing looks like for moms who have an epidural and how...

Actually, instead of putting them up against each other, we should probably be putting them side by side since pushing out a baby and having a bowel movement are oddly similar. We are going to walk you through what it looks...and sounds like...when it's go-time, as well when it's time to wait a little longer before pushing (even though some well-meaning people in the room may be encouraging you otherwise). Pushing is natural and moms should be able to tune into their bodies and babies, medicated or unmedicated, and allow the process to happen naturally.

There are 2 main approaches to pushing:

1. Birth team directed. 

PROS: May be helpful for moms who have had an epidural and aren’t feeling any fullness, pressure, or when/where to push. A little coaching from the birth staff may benefit them. You may like the coaching!

CONS: It can too often lead to “purple-faced pushing”. We’ve known women to get busted capillaries in their eyes and this is caused by...