One of my bug-bears in midwifery is hearing midwives and students (and partners!) acting as "Cheer Leaders" during the second stage of labour.

You can hear them from quite some distance shouting "Push, push, push!"..... "Go on, and push again!"....."Push harder, push, push, keep it coming!"

Is that you...??

Then you hear the woman scream back "I am b***** pushing!"

Rather than joining in this crazy game, I keep my voice low during the second stage. I encourage the woman to listen to her body and push hard when she feels the urge to push. I give lots of encouragement: "That's great." "Well done." "You're pushing so well." etc. As the baby's head descends and the woman gets to the stage where she really does not want to push, because it's so painful, I say words like "It's meant to feel like this." "Your muscles are stretching, to let the baby through." "Open up." "Let your baby come."

There are occasions where I need to be more directive. When a woman has a dense epidural block, for example. Or if I am concerned about the FH, I will raise the level of my voice and I become more directive. I think the change in my tone of voice helps the woman realise that she needs to increase her effort too.

So, what works for you? What phrases / tactics do you use to support women during the second stage?

I'd love to hear your experiences and maybe we can all learn a bit more.

Thanks

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