Stage 2

• 1). Follow the signals you receive from your body. Just as the contractions came in waves, so will the urge to push as the contractions continue. When you feel the urge, bear down and push.
  
  
• 2). Breathe as you push. Push for as long as you can, rest, and then push again. You might be able to push multiple times each time you have a contraction.
  
  
• 3). Relax your facial muscles, chest muscles and arm muscles, as well as your bottom, legs and every other body part. Focus the pushing on your pelvic muscles. If you have been practicing Kegel exercises during your pregnancy, they will help you at this time.
  
  
• 4). Change your position until you feel comfortable. Try standing or squatting and let gravity help you.
  
  
• 5). Stop pushing and keep breathing as your baby's head crowns. Your doctor, midwife, or doula will let you know when they see the baby's head. In order to avoid tearing, you do not want to push at this point. Let the baby's head be born slowly and naturally. You can position a mirror if you want to see the baby's head crowning.