C 12 - Pushing: stage 2 of labor - In this chapter:

221 194 Stage 2 is the part of labor when the mother pushes the baby out of the womb and down the vagina, and the baby is born. [...] When the head crowns, the vaginal Once the head is born, the rest of opening is a bit larger the body usually slips out easily with than the palm of a 1 or 2 pushes. [...] Let the mother choose the position that feels good to her Half-sitting Lying on the side Hands-and-knees This position may be the This position is This position is good when most comfortable, and relaxing and helps the woman feels her labor in makes it easier for the prevent tears in the her back. [...] If the baby is lying facing the mother’s stomach, it may be easier for the mother to push in either the hands-and-knees position or in the squatting position. [...] Check for a cord around the baby’s neck If there is a rest between the birth of the head and the birth of the shoulders, feel for the cord around the baby’s neck.