You can use a visualisation in the resting phase, picturing your baby's journey out of the uterus, down the vagina, under the pubic arch to the perineum and passing the perineum to be born. Some women have talked about visualising an enclosed slippery dip (see below) that you see in children's play areas, being a similar shape to the vagina, as the journey their baby needs to undergo to be born. For an example of a visualisation, click onto
birth visualisation.
Feel and look
Once the baby's head can be seen at the opening of the vagina (usually during a contraction) it is possible to feel the top of your baby's head as you push. Some women find placing their hand on their baby's head gives them immediate acknowledgement (and often relief) that the baby is finally there and that they are close to holding them in their arms. It can also leave a lasting memory of your 'first touch'. Feeling the baby advance as you push can give you feedback, as more of the head comes out each time. Some women will 'catch' their baby's head into their own hands as it emerges.
Other women do not feel comfortable touching their baby's head as it can distract them from keeping their focus at this point, or they simply are too involved in pushing to bother (or it is not something that appeals to them).
Women will also feel different about using a mirror to look at their baby's head advancing. Some women love seeing the head emerge and will recall how it helped them to 'see' what they were achieving, while others find it distracting or difficult to push with their eyes open (or they really don't want to know!) Often the decision is one made at the spur of the moment.
Self support during the 2nd stage of labour
Having confidence in your body's ability to give birth is one of the best tools you can have to support yourself during the pushing phase of the labour.