The last phase of childbirth is that of expulsion. This is where you have to push to deliver your baby. To push effectively, you need to have the right breathing. A little guide for future mothers.

At the end of the expansion phase, the expulsion phase begins. The contractions are more and more intense and very close together and the mother feels the need to push. This expulsion reflex is when the baby’s head presses on the rectum, which is located just behind the vagina.

The midwife who performs the birth listens to this natural reflex. At the same time, she also observes the descent of the head and tells you when you can start pushing. It is important to push only when the midwife tells you to.

When you have an epidural, you may not feel or feel the urge to push.

When the midwife asks you to push, it’s time for you to apply the breathing tips and pushing technique you learned during your childbirth preparation classes. You may have been taught two different pushing techniques:

The blocked inspiration push: after a deep inspiration at the start of the contraction, the expectant mother blocks the air in her lungs, curls up on herself, chin behind her chest and hands behind her thighs.

The push in forced exhalation: after an inspiration, the mother-to-be blows her air strongly but at small amplitude, while obstructing this exit of air.

The push is done on a contraction.

Apart from the contractions, you will have learned to breathe “puppy” style, by panting. It is a question of inhaling and exhaling a little air through the mouth, respecting the same time for the inspiration and the expiration, and by sticking out the tongue.

You can train at home before giving birth.

To practice pushing with blocked inspiration:

To do this, lie down on your back, legs bent, and grab your legs which are a little apart.

Breathe in and out, then inhale and block the air, for 5 to 10 seconds with a gentle push.

To train yourself to breathe in a forced exhalation:

Lie on your back, legs bent, and grab your legs which are a little apart.

Inhale through your nose and push up with your abdominals, slowing down as slowly as possible the air coming out of your mouth. Repeat at least 4 or 5 times.

When the midwife tells you to push, fill your lungs with plenty of air and insist (like before putting your head under water!). Then close your mouth to block the air in the lungs and push as hard as you can, as if you are going to have a bowel movement. When the midwife asks you to stop pushing, breathe with your mouth open, relax your muscles. Until the next contraction!

You can also breathe in a forced exhalation through the lungs. This method is less tiring but the exit of the child’s head may seem longer.

There really isn’t a best method: choose the one that works best for you, and let the midwife or obstetrician-gynecologist deliver your baby guide you.

You can also combine the two modes of pushing: inhale, exhale, inhale, block the air in the lungs, and push with your abdominals and your diaphragm. When you can no longer keep the air, breathe out and end the contraction by inhaling then exhaling, braking the air several times if necessary to act throughout the contraction.