Chapter 5
In this video we will be covering HBP # 5: Avoid giving birth on your back and follow your body’s urges to push.
When most women think of the pushing stage of labor they visualize a mom laying on her back, pushing her baby out while holding her breath. This however is not the best position to birth your baby! Pushing in an upright position uses gravity to your advantage and creates space in your pelvis to allow the baby to descend.
You can push in a variety of positions: squatting, side-lying, kneeling, leaning over the back of the hospital bed, or any position that feels good for you. It is easier to get into an upright pushing position without an epidural, however even with an epidural in place you can push in a variety of upright positions with the help of your medical team.
You do not have to hold your breath to push your baby out! Following your body's urge to push, instead of being directed to push while holding your breath, is safer for you and your baby. Without or without an epidural in place, you should be able to feel your baby descend and feel the urge to push. If you have an epidural in place and you cannot feel the pressure of baby or the urge to push you can request to have your epidural lowered.
Trust your instincts and listen to your body!