Transitional Labor: When It All Gets Real:
Transitional labor is the moment when everything intensifies, and you truly feel the power of childbirth. While the entire labor process has been intense, transitional labor emerges as its own unique challenge. It is during this time that many women begin to doubt themselves and consider pain relief options. But let me assure you, you are stronger than you think!
Physically, transitional labor marks the dilation of your cervix from 8 cm to 10 cm, and it is fully effaced and out of the way. Your baby is positioned low in your hips, eagerly awaiting their grand entrance into the world.
Embracing the Emotional Rollercoaster:
Emotionally, this is the stage where doubts may creep in, and you may feel like you can't go on. Trust me, I've been there too. In the midst of the intensity, it's common to contemplate telling the doctors, "No, I'm going home. I can't do this today," even though your baby is just moments away from being born.
This is precisely when your support team becomes indispensable. They will be there to reassure you that you are doing an amazing job and that you have the strength within you to birth your beautiful baby.
Intense but Brief:
The Quickest Section of Labor: Transitional labor is undeniably intense compared to the rest of the labor process. However, the silver lining is that it is also the quickest phase, typically lasting between 30 minutes to 2 hours. So, while the intensity may be at its peak, remember that it will pass swiftly, bringing you one step closer to meeting your little one.
Finding Your Voice Through Grunts and Moans:
Moms often become withdrawn into themselves during transitional labor, with communication reduced to a series of grunts, moans, and simple yes or no questions. All your energy is focused on the birthing process. Don't worry; this is completely normal. Your body knows what it's doing!
Keep Moving, Keep Changing Positions:
Even in the midst of the intensity, it is encouraged to continue moving and changing positions every 30 minutes. As your baby gradually descends further into your pelvis, these movements can aid the birthing process, offering comfort and support.
Transitioning to the Pushing Phase:
As your body reaches full dilation, transitional labor subsides, and you enter phase 2: the pushing phase. Natural labor often sees a slowdown in intensity, providing you with a well-deserved break and an opportunity to catch your breath.
As your baby gets lower many moms feel as if they need to go poop when it is actually your baby's head pushing on the same area that triggers that feeling. Having a bowel movement while pushing can happen and is normal. Your baby's head is pushing down on your colon as they move down and squeezing anything this is remaining out.
While that can sound embarrassing and make one fearful I will tell you now you will be the only one who cares. Your Doula, Midwife, Nurse, or Doctor will give 0 F's if you poop. You might not even notice and be quickly cleaned up without a fuss. This is a time to focus on breathing and relaxing and not worrying about a little 💩
Breathing, Intuition, and Coached Pushing:
Pushing can vary in duration, depending on your unique journey. Listening to your body's guidance on when to push can significantly reduce the time spent pushing. Three common techniques exist:
Breathing Your Baby Out: This gentle approach involves allowing your contractions to do the work while you breathe through each wave. Remaining calm, relaxed, and attuned to your body, you work in harmony with the birthing process.
Intuition Pushing: Trusting your body's cues, you push when you feel the natural urge or need to bear down. This empowers you to push when your body is ready, facilitating the smooth descent of your baby through your birth canal.
Coached Pushing: This technique, also known as counted pushing or purple pushing, is often used in hospitals, particularly for mothers with epidural anesthesia. It involves holding your breath and bearing down as someone counts down from 10. While effective in certain situations, it's important to consider the energy cost and potential lengthening of the pushing phase.
Discovering the Perfect Pushing Position:
To ensure effective pushing, it's crucial to find a position that feels most comfortable to you. Some popular options include:
Standing or Squatting: Utilize gravity's assistance by standing or squatting, allowing your baby to descend while opening your hips.
Kneeling on All Fours or Sitting on a Birth Stool: These positions are excellent choices, even if you have an epidural and are confined to a bed. With support from others, you can adopt a hands-and-knee position, lie on your side, or squat at the end of the bed. The bed's movability can even mimic a birth stool for added comfort.
The Moment of Triumph:
As you continue pushing, your baby's head will begin to crown, marking a moment of triumph and anticipation. After the head emerges, a cardinal movement occurs, rotating baby to face one of your thighs. This rotation facilitates the smooth passage of your baby's shoulders and body through your pelvis.
The Final Moments of Birth:
Once your baby's head is out, time may elapse before the next contraction delivers the rest of your baby's body. This pause is completely normal and safe. In some cases, a reflex called the fetal ejection reflex can propel your baby out, particularly in water births, where they can seemingly torpedo through the water.
Welcoming Your Precious Baby:
Once your baby has been born, your baby should be promptly placed on your bare chest or lower belly, depending on the length of the umbilical cord. This skin-to-skin contact promotes bonding and establishes a warm connection between you and your newborn.
Looking Ahead:
The Golden Hour and Beyond: In our upcoming blog post, we will delve into the importance of the golden hour, the birth of the placenta, and early postpartum care. Make sure to subscribe to stay updated on all our new blog postings.
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Thank you for reading, and we look forward to accompanying you on this remarkable journey. See you next week!
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