The next time you’re sat on the loo doing a poo, I want you to imagine there’s someone in the room with you. And they’re telling you when to push that poo out. And how long to push for. Sounds ridiculous doesn’t it.
Yet when it comes to birth we so often doubt our bodies and think we won’t know what to do. That the guidance needs to come from somewhere external. That we need to be told when to push and how long for.
This is called coached pushing. And what do we know about it? That it increases your risk of tearing, can mean your baby is pushed out in a sub-optimal position, and you and baby can get tired from extended pushing at the wrong time.
Because your midwife can’t feel what you’re feeling. So unless you’ve had an epidural (and cannot feel your contractions, meaning you need to be told when a contraction is coming) you really would do much better following your body’s lead. Pushing when your body pushes - because it really does know what it’s doing! There's no mistaking it! As long as you are given enough time and space and the right environment your body will start naturally pushing all by itself...all you need to do is breathe, relax, and go along for the ride!
Some pushes might be before you’re fully dilated. Some pushes might be turning your baby into a better position, rather than moving your baby down. But whatever the reason, your body is pushing for a reason. Trust it. Be patient. Follow its lead and go with the urge.
Imagine the calmness that comes with trusting your body and baby completely. If you would like to feel really confident about your body's ability to give birth to your baby, join me for my Hypnobirthing & Antenatal course. It's really comprehensive birth preparation and is available in both groups and 1:1, online and face to face in Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks, Kent.
Beautiful image by @evarosebirth
Rachel xxx
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