Pushing...

[silverkts]

When in the hospital, my body stared pushing DD out on its own but I was only at 8cm, so I was told to stop pushing until I had fully dilated(that was the most excruciating part of labour I must say)
Next time I plan on a homebirth, and I would like to avoid the entire pushing on a count of 10...but if this happens again (the pushing before full dilation) how should this be handled?

[ellebelle]

Pushing

This is what we teach in Bradley Method® classes:

If you get a "premature" urge to push, try changing positions to put less pressure on the rectal area. Maybe on all fours, kneeling draped over a birth ball, side lying, etc. Many people find that deep relaxed breathing can help with the urge. If the urge is overwhelming and your body is pushing without your "cooperation", you can "lean into the contraction" - gentle pressure without getting into a pushing position and keeping the breathing calm."

In many homebirths, however, no one is doing vaginal exams to find out what the cervix is doing. My midwife relied on my behavior and the behavior of the contractions to know where I was in labor, rather than relying on intrusive exams. Many believe that, if the cervix really needed to be measures, it would have been on the outside, LOL!

HOpe this helps. I am sure some midwives will post more complete explanations.

Ellen
W. to G, homeschooling mom to ds13, ds11, dd7
Bradley Certified Childbirth Educator®

[notjustmamie]

Not a professional, but I wanted to direct you to this post (from an actual professional) with some great links about pushing and VEs.

[SublimeBirthGirl]

I believe in avoiding exams and listening to your body.