04/20/2026
1: Perineal massage should be started WAY ahead of time…like at 34ish weeks, and shouldn’t be done for the first time while the baby is crowning. Try a hands off approach, or even a warm compress at the base of the perineum. Studies show that aggressive hand on manipulation of the perineum at crowning can lead to swelling and more trauma.
2: Try this: open your throat and exhale or make noise while pushing. It’s an exchange of air that can help decrease excess pressure down in the vag, which helps decrease prolapse and tearing (and you wont burst blood vessels in your eyeballs…which is a bonus)
3: This can happen with “coached pushing” or a strong epidural. Wait for a uterine contraction and when you’re fully dilated. It’ll be more effective and help conserve your energy..you need rest inbetween contractions and pushing!
4: Evidence shows that the BEST position to give birth in is the one that the mother/birthing person chooses. So if you want to go on your side, or squatting, or all fours- get after it. I teach how to do this with medication and without in my birthing course (link in bio)
5: Recent literature supports the mother choosing length, force, and type of push…rather than having someone bark at you in your ear regarding when to start and when to stop. Sometimes we have to do a few things quickly or hard to get the baby out if there is a problem, but generally speaking, you do what feels best to you 👏🏼
