RE: [ozmidwifery] 2nd Stage of Labour

[Sally Westbury]

The analogy that I tell women is that being ready to push is like being ready to vomit.   When you feel nauseous you are probably going to vomit some time. You know that it is coming but you are not actually doing it. When you feel like you want to push you know you are probably going to push soon but you are not actually doing it. (and probably not ready)   When you vomit there is no stopping it. It is an overwhelming bodily fuction. When you are ready to push it is overwhelming and there is no stopping it.   This analogy seems to help women. It is something that they can relate to.       Sally Westbury Homebirth Midwife   "It takes courage to remain a true advocate for women, challenging authority and sacrificing social and professional acceptance. It takes courage for a woman to choose a caregiver who will truly advocate for and empower her."    -Judy Slome Cohain -----Original Message-----   So, I guess what I'm really asking is - do you allow women to go with their bodies and what they are feeling (which would be my instinct, rightly or wrongly who knows!)  or wait for external signs that pushing 'ok'? Cheers Tania --