Childbirth

Crowning

Crowning is the term used when the baby's head can be seen. However, you need to know exactly what to do when your baby is crowning. Your coach and of course the nurses can help you with the process but you need to know how and when to push to help your baby during delivery.

The very first thing to remember is not too push at all until the doctor or mid-wife lets you know the time is right. Not only does the baby need to be crowning, but also the head has to be low enough and rotated into the optimal orientation for birth.

You will usually feel a very strong urge to push, most of the time this does mean that the baby is low and is in proper position. Your body normally knows when it is time to push and when it is time to rest. Try not to push hard; holding your breath unless the physician believes this is necessary. This type of pushing can cause swelling and should be avoided.

Remember, the physician will also be there to give your baby aid as needed when leaving your uterus. He will help to gently guide your baby through the birthing canal. Your pushing will help, but there are times, when all you have to do is breath. Normally, you will have to push to get the baby's head out and then once again for the shoulders. The rest of the time, there should not have to be major pushing. However, one hard push alone will not get the baby out. It takes quite a few pushes and sometimes a long period of time.

You can push and your baby's head can be partially out and then you stop pushing and his head will return back inside. This is why you must push when you need to and rest in between. Once the head is completely out, you can break easier until the doctor works with you to get the shoulders out. Then you will need to push when the doctor tells you and only then. He will have to work with your baby and rotate him in order for him to come out and so you do not receive any tears in the vagina.

Once your baby is in the crowning stage you are definitely in labor and your baby will born soon. Rest, relax and listen to your coach, physician, and others attending the labor.