the difference between: intuitive pushing & coached pushing

Have you ever heard of 'intuitive' or 'coached' pushing?

Intuitive pushing means following your body’s natural instinct to push, while coached (or guided) pushing involves your midwife, doctor, or doula instructing you on when and how to push.

Women often take deep, calming breaths before pushing during labor, exhaling naturally rather than holding their breath. Your midwife or doctor will encourage you to listen to your body and push when it feels right. As you reach full dilation, you may experience an intense urge to push, though some women, especially those with an epidural, might not feel it immediately. If you don't feel the urge, relax and let your contractions help the baby descend. When you're ready, you can push during the peak of contractions, guided by your body’s signals. If you’re unsure or concerned about recognizing these signals, having a coach to assist and guide you can be very helpful.

Remember: embracing your body's signals can help you push more effectively and reduce the risks associated with guided pushing.