Chapter 12: Pushing – Stage 2 of labor
If the mother is tense or having trouble pushing, these things may help:
Ask the mother to
change positions.
Ask the mother to open her
mouth and relax her jaw.
Apply clean, warm, wet
cloths to her genitals.
uuu
nhh!
Put a gloved finger about
2 centimeters into her vagina
and press straight down
towards her bottom.
(Do not rub the vagina.)
Ask the mother to pull
her knees up
towards her
body.
Support the mother’s pushing
If a mother has difficulty pushing, do not
scold or threaten her. And never insult or hit
a woman to make her push. Upsetting or
frightening her can slow the birth. Instead,
explain how to push well. Each contraction is
a new chance. Praise her for trying.
Tell the mother when you see her outer
genitals bulge. Explain that this means the
baby is coming down. When you see the
head, let the mother touch it. This may also
help her to push better.
Keep pushing.
Beautiful! I can
see the head!
Watch for warning signs
Watch the speed of the birth
Watch the speed of each birth. If the birth is taking too long, take the woman to
a medical center. This is one of the most important things a midwife can do to
prevent serious problems or even death in women.
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A Book for Midwives (2010)