Chapter 12: Pushing – Stage 2 of labor
Do not push!
Blow! Blow!
Blow! Blow!
Whoo!
Whoo!
Okay. Give a
small push. Good.
Gently! Good.
Enough —
stop pushing
and blow!
Keep blowing.
Is the contraction
over? Take a rest. The
head is almost born.
Gently! Yes!
It’s coming —
stop pushing!
In a minute give
another gentle
push... good.
And here is the
head! How
beautiful!
Whooo. Here
is another
one.
W A R NI NG ! Do not slow the birth of the head if:
• there has been a gush of blood before the birth (see page 205).
• there is a prolapsed cord (see page 176).
• the baby’s heartbeat is very slow (see page 172).
• you think the baby may be in trouble.
In any of these cases, the baby must be born as quickly as possible.
If necessary, clear the baby’s nose and mouth
When the head is born, and before the rest of the body comes out, you may need
to help the baby breathe by clearing her mouth and nose. If the baby has some
mucus or water in her nose or mouth, you can wipe it gently with a clean cloth
wrapped around your finger. You do not need to suction.
A baby who might have breathed in some waters should be held with her head a
little lower than the rest of her body, so fluid can drain out.
208
A Book for Midwives (2010)