What can you do during the second stage of labour? What are some pushing tips?

When the first stage of childbirth (or labour) is over, the next thing to do is push and deliver.

Stage 2: Pushing the Baby Out

With dilation complete, it's time to help your baby through the birth canal by pushing. Delivery generally takes 30 to 60 minutes (second and subsequent babies usually pop out a lot faster than first ones), but it can be as short as a few minutes — or as long as several hours. During this stage, your contractions should be more regular (usually about 2 to 5 minutes apart), but they'll still last for 60 to 90 seconds each.

You'll move into the pushing position of your choice and, following the instructions of your practitioner or the hospital or birthing center staff, you'll push at regular intervals, usually three times with each contraction, or as you feel the urge. You might want to rest for one contraction if you're getting tired. Put all of your effort into each push, but maintain control, too — you don't want to push with your upper body or strain your face (could actually leave you with black or bloodshot eyes or bruises on your face). Here are some pushing tips:

• Push as if you're having a bowel movement — the biggest one of your life. And speaking of bowel movements, put all your concentration and focus into the pushing — not into worrying about whether you'll be emptying your bowels or passing urine while you're at it.
• If you're propped up on your back, make sure you put your chin to your chest to push. This will help you focus your pushes to where they need to be. It might also help to look down below your navel so you remember where your pushes should originate from.
• The nurses might tell you to hold your breath and push while they count to ten, but feel free to do what comes naturally if that makes you more comfortable. Follow the urges you feel to push rather than holding your breath, and if that means pushing for only five seconds per push, that's fine too.

Between contractions, you'll need to conserve your energy and rest up for the next round — pushing is labour (and delivery) intensive. If you become exhausted, your practitioner may suggest you stop pushing for a couple of contractions to regain some strength. At first, it may seem like you're pushing for nothing, but soon you'll be rewarded with results — Your baby's head appearing (or crowning). Your baby's head may crown and then disappear again.

Once your baby's head has eased its way out, your practitioner will suction out any mucus from the nose and mouth, then help guide the shoulders and torso out and those cute little legs. You'll probably be able to hold your baby right away and you'll revel in that first lusty cry. Shortly after delivery, your baby's umbilical cord will be cut by your practitioner or your partner if he wants. It's also likely that your newborn will get a brisk rubdown, be wrapped to prevent heat loss, and have ointment placed in his or her eyes to prevent infection.