Pulling while pushing

Many women find pulling on something helpful during the second stage of labor (pushing). This is because the action of pulling from a squat allows women to:

• stabilize and focus their pushing efforts

• engage their abdominal muscles effectively

• have sufficient leverage during each push

• remain upright while they push, allowing gravity to assist

Regardless of where you give birth (hospital, birth center, home), there are ways you can create the ability to safely pull while you push. Consider the following options:

• Drape a rebozzo/scarf/sheet over the top of an open door and pull on either side of the scarf while squatting

• Drape a rebozzo/scarf/sheet around the shoulders of your partner or doula as they lean against the wall, giving them stability. Pull on either end of the scarf while squatting.

• Lay in your bed holding the ends of a rebozzo/scarf/sheet while your birth partner or doula holds the other end of it, almost as if you were playing tug-of-war

• squat on your hospital bed while pulling the squat bar

Happy pushing, mamas!