The Power of Pushing During Labor: How To Do It & What to Expect

When preparing for labor, most people are fixated on getting through the first stage and handling the contractions. And I get it. It's the longest stage of labor, and it can determine how you will birth your baby. But one area that I think does not get enough time and attention that really should when talking about labor and birth is pushing.

You might think that there’s not much when it comes to pushing. "You just push the baby out, right?" But you couldn’t be more wrong. If only it were that simple! Sometimes, women are quickly and effectively able to push their babies out, but more often than not, a lot of mothers who are pushing look to their care providers to give them guidance on how to push and if they are pushing correctly. Why can't we give them this guidance and prepare them better so they can feel confident during the pushing phase? That's why we’re talking all about it today with our guest HeHe. As a fellow sister doula, I knew this conversation was going to be a great one filled with awesome tips and information. And it is!

Who is HeHe Stewart?

HeHe Stewart is a birth and postpartum doula, the Founder of Tranquility by HeHe Maternity Concierge, and the creator of The Birth Lounge and Dad Daze, a birth prep course for fathers. With a Master’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies and 10 years in the Family Life Education field, HeHe helps women prepare for childbirth with research-backed education and expert support to have a confident birth experience while feeling informed and in control of labor (without fear or coercion). She is also a pro with preparing for postpartum, helping you master feeding your tiny human and understanding newborn sleep!

What Did We Discuss?

In this episode, I chat with HeHe about pushing during labor. We cover it all, from when you should actually start pushing to effective techniques, timing, and more! Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation:

• What are the first things that come to your mind when you think about this topic of pushing?
• When do you normally recommend your clients to begin to push?
• How can expectant mothers mentally and emotionally prepare for labor and pushing? 
• How can birth partners and doulas effectively support the mother during the pushing phase? 
• How long can a mother expect to push during labor?
• What are some common challenges or complications mothers could face during pushing, and how can they be managed?
• What are your tips for minimizing the risk of tearing while pushing?
• o summarize, what are your top tips for mothers to prepare and endure the pushing phase of labor? 

HeHe is such a gem to mothers and the birthing community. It's so much fun for me to talk about birth with other birth workers and share helpful stories. Our conversation is filled with gold nuggets of wisdom! HeHe shared amazing advice and tips that I believe would help any parent feel more prepared for their pushing phase in labor. I hope you leave feeling more knowledgeable and prepared for pushing when it comes time for you. Let us know your thoughts and experience!

HeHe's Resources

• Website: thebirthlounge.com
• Instagram: @tranquilitybyhehe
• TikTok: @tranquilitybyhehe
• Podcast: The Birth Lounge Podcast

Thank you for listening to this episode! Be sure to subscribe to our podcast, leave us a review, and follow us on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychickchat for more content. Cheers to a positive pushing & birth experience!

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