Delivery Tips
Read these 16 Delivery Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Child Birth tips and hundreds of other topics.
Use foot pressure in second stage
Whatever method of pushing is used, have some kind of foot pressure (mom pushing her feet against something) because it relaxes the pelvic floor and minimizes the feelings of panic.
Choosing A Birthing Position
There are several birthing positions. What you choose is entirely up to you and your care provider and whether or not you are giving birth in a hospital, birthing center or at home. The choices consist of back lying (most hospitals use this), side-lying, all fours (crawling position), sitting, squatting, and standing. Whatever position you choose, you may have to practice - such as squatting - because it requires the use of strong arms and legs. Also, depending upon your health and the health of the baby, you may be limited with your choices. If you have a strong preference - talk with your doctor or midwife well in advance of your due date.
Loose mouth
There is a connection between the mouth/throat
and the vagina. Be sure to keep your jaw
slack, lips not pursed. This is especially
important during the second stage of labor, when
pushing the baby out. Loose mouth equals
open vagina.
Squatting
Squatting or semi-squatting is an excellent birthing position in that it uses gravity to help with the pushing stage. The squatting position requires strength and should not be attempted by someone who has not prepared with exercises beforehand. Some hospitals have "squatting bars" for the laboring mom to hang on to - or two people can help to hold her up by standing on either side of her. There is also a birthing stool which allows the mom to sit over a cut-out - allowing the "squatting" position to work.
Sitting Position
The semi-sitting position during the pushing stage of childbirth best uses gravity to make the birth easier. Most labor beds have foot pedals to help with the semi-sitting position. The allowances of this position depends upon the hospital policy and your doctor and the status of your pregnancy health.
Push when you feel the urge
Marathon pushing is not necessary and may even be detrimental. Your uterus will push the baby out all by itself, without any additional effort from you...however most women do get an irresestible urge to push. Wait until you feel this urge to add oomph to your pushing using your diaphragm, and then push only when you feel the urge. Do not hold your breath for an extended period of time (more than five or six seconds) as this is depriving your baby of oxygen.
Get OFF your back!
Reclining is the WORST but most common pushing position. It causes:
1. decreased pushing ability
2. incresed pain
3. decreased effectiveness
4. increased blood clots
5. increased discomfort
6. increased hemorrhoids
Side-lying Position
Side-lying is a good birthing position. The mom lays on her side - lifing up and holding onto the top leg and pushes the baby out. This is easier on the back and helps a fatigued mom to push more effectively.
Side lying in second stage
Upright positions are the best for second stage, but if mom is tired and needs to rest, lying on the second side is the next best thing. It is still an effective pushing position with the added benefit of allowing mom to rest between contractions.
Perineal massage
Perineal massage, during the last six weeks of pregnancy as well as during the second stage of labor, can greatly reduce the likelihood of a tear requiring stitching.
Kegel, kegel, kegel!
Keeping the pelvic floor muscles toned will not only help the second stage of your labor, but can prevent problems with prolapse and/or incontenence later in life. Ask your birth attendant for information on how to do this important exercise.
Don't squat too soon
Squatting is an excellent position for pushing, opening the pelvic outlet by about 30%. It is advisable NOT to get into this position too early, however, as in addition to widening the outlet, it can hinder descent of the baby's head if it is still high.
Avoid an episiotomy
Warm compresses, perineal massage, support of the perineum, and a slow delivery can eliminate the need for an episiotomy in nearly all births.
Birth Plan
It's very important to discuss your birth plan with your physician AND any partners you may get if your physician isn't on-call. Since birth positions are an integral part, many physicians have their own opinions about this - discuss it with all concerned well ahead of time.
Back Lying
Back lying has long been the favorite position of hospital births in the United States in the 20th century. Lying on your back - feet in stir-ups has been a favorite of physicans because of the ease at which they can assist the delivery. This position is still used in a lot of hospitals if an epidural or spinal anesthesia has been administered or if there is concern for uterine rupture.
| Guru Spotlight |
| Lynne Christen |
