How to Push Your Baby Out WITHOUT Tearing a Damn Thing.

Ask any pregnant woman what scares them the most, and they'll likely tell you it's getting the baby out.

Most first-time moms are nervous about the pushing stage.

The idea of pushing an 8- pound human being out of that hole can leave even the bravest of mamas awake and worrying at night. And while I'm not going to sit here and tell you it'll be easy, it probably won’t be as bad as you think!

(RELATED: Check out our online mini-prenatal lesson to push your baby out without tearing!)

It's all about the stages of labor.

The First Stage of Labor

The first stage of labour is all about getting your cervix to dilate. This is typically the longest stage of birth, because it can take a minute to get your body into regular, useful contractions. I always imagine this stage of labour unfolds like a first date: at first, there’s the awkward meeting and finding a groove of conversation. After the wine hits and the chemistry is obvious, you start to get more and more excited to get out of that restaurant. That’s what the first stage of labour is like. Slow and awkward at first, then finding a groove and getting exciting!

The Second Stage of Labor

Once the contractions get going, the uterus squeezes the baby in a big hug and the baby’s head presses on the cervix to soften and open it up. To give you some perspective: the cervix dialtes from the size of the hole at the head of a penis to the size of a small dinnerplate- so it takes a bit of time.

It’s usually at the end of this stage when most women are like, “HELL no to this happening- I'm so over this." But to nurses like me, this is a sign that your body is ready to push!

The Evidence is in...

Here’s some evidence-based tidbits that AWHONN (the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses) also thinks you should know:

1. Be realistic about the second stage of labour- it can last longer than you realize and it’s perfectly normal.
2. Pushing in an upright position is better than pushing on your back
3. Pushing is better when you have labour support, like a doula
4. You should be allowed to rest until you feel the urge to push
5. You should try a variety of different upright positions during the second stage: squatting, sitting, standing.
6. Noises like grunting and groaning are GOOD for labour (it means you’re not holding your breath!)

(If you've been seriously considering #3 but you're just not convinced, check out this post:)

 7 Reasons to Hire a Birth Doula, Even if You're Having an Epidural

Whether you decide to have a natural birth or an epidural, there are things you can do to protect your hoo-hah. Make your pushing phase part of your birth plan, talk to your doctor/midwife/nurses about your wishes and ask them to suport you.

(RELATED: Not sure what you should put in your birth plan? Take our quick online quiz and we'll send you one FOR FREE!)

Trust your body-it knows what to do, Mama.

If you're looking for more information about pushing your baby out without the pain and suffering of tearing or stitches, check out my online course!!

GIVE ME MORE INFO ABOUT THE COURSE PLEASE!!

And you know I care about you reading only the best, right Mama? Check out this post that has gone viral:

Five Things First-Time Moms Wished They'd Known Before Giving Birth

Seriously? Women are LOVING this info and I've even included some amazing free downloads to make your birth better. Enjoy!

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