"Pushing question"

Those that pushed for hours, how did you find the strenght? When I read "I pushed for 2-3 hours" I go into shock! I don't even think I have it in me to hold my legs up. Do you just get the power?

tia!

Message edited 12/8/2006 10:12:03 AM.

Re: "Pushing question"

It comes in waves. You push at the height of the contraction only. So if you are having contractions every 2 minute, lasting 1 minutes, you have 1 minute of rest. You rest between contractions, plus you have so much adrenal going through your body, you can do it.

You're definitely exhausted afterwards.

Re: "Pushing question"

It's the first of many times to come as a mom when you think there is no way you can do it and somehow "you just do". You will be great :)

Re: "Pushing question"

thanks for the kind words and confidence. I feel more at ease.

now, time to move onto my next issue

Re: "Pushing question"

At that stage of the game you will do anything you can to get that baby out and you really do find the energy to push. I pushed just under an hour and to be honest I could have done it in less time if I pushed harder like I did towards the end. I also skipped a few contractions because mine were coming back to back. You have 3 pushes per contraction and my first 2 were good but my last was always better. I definitly do not plan on doing that again with this pregnancy.

Re: "Pushing question"

I pushed for 2 hours and it was fine because I wanted him OUT of me! Pushing was hard work, but not nearly as painful as the contractions (at least for me). Also, they said that if I found pushing difficult due to the epidural (not being able to feel anything) then they would have to turn it off, and the fear of that was enough to keep me going!

Re: "Pushing question"

I agree with what everyone said. I also think having a great couch helps. DH was so awesome at encouraging me when I was tired.

Re: "Pushing question"

I had many wonderful people in the room with me.
I pushed for 2 and a half hours with Matthew and was exhausted...and then I had 2 hours to rest before Christopher came out.
My dr.s and all the nurses and even the anesthesiaologist were all WONDERFUL!!!!and of course DH

Re: "Pushing question"

I pushed for 2.5 hours, it was hard work, but I wanted her out so badly, believe me you muster the strength.

My DH held one leg, and my mom held the other, i couldn't lift my legs cause of the epi. They said a couple times how tired they were, i wanted to punch them in the face!

But all in all, they did wonderful and kept me going. At the 2.5 hour mark i was so tired and so relieved to see the dr with those forceps and all i wanted was something to eat!

Re: "Pushing question"

Believe it or not, when its time, you WANT to push! It feels like its the only thing that will make that pain and pressure go away. I wanted to push with each contraction so bad even when they told me to wait one out. Its like you feel it plus mentally you know that this will bring your baby into the world, so you just find the strength. It didnt work for us, since Megan had different plans on how she wanted to come into this world but I did push for 3 1/2 hours before that decision was made. I wont lie, afterwards you feel it in every part of your body. My mom held my legs on one side and dh on the other, they were almost up over my head. After she was born my legs felt like I ran a marathon and I had bruises but its all worth it in the end. I cant wait for you to have this baby!!!!

Re: "Pushing question"

i pushed for about an hr and a half and it didn't feel that long - time was just passing by i guess....the last 2 pushes were the hardest - they were saying "you're so close" but she wasn't coming out (and then she was here! ) - it was exhausting but surreal to me too...i'd do it again in a heartbeat!

Re: "Pushing question"

I pushed for 2 hours and I was exhausted and nauseous through the whole thing. What gave me strength was the motivation from the nurses, my doctor, and DH. Everytime they told me that the baby was getting a little bit closer, I pushed harder and harder. You will be fine, you will use every muscle in your body and all of your energy just to see your little one

Re: "Pushing question"

Posted by Janice

thanks for the kind words and confidence. I feel more at ease.

now, time to move onto my next issue

Re: "Pushing question"

Posted by Moehick

Posted by Janice

thanks for the kind words and confidence. I feel more at ease.

now, time to move onto my next issue

You may not push for long...I only did for 40min....ya never know...

Re: "Pushing question"

good question. i pushed for an hour and was more than ready to quit!

Re: "Pushing question"

as exhausted as I was and felt at some points I couldn't push anymore I just did it. you get the urge and have no choice. you'll be great!

Re: "Pushing question"

Re: "Pushing question"

My advice would be to wait to push until the baby's head is way down. With my first DD I just started pushing when I was 10cm and her head was way up so it took 1 1/2 hours. With the other 2 I waited until they had moved down and it took under 10 minutes.

Re: "Pushing question"

I pushed for an hour and 47 min- it is not a matter of how do you do it- it is more that you have to, you don't have a choice. That's it!


I was so afraid of labor- don't be. It all happens so fast and is so exciting you don't have time to be scared. Good luck!

Re: "Pushing question"

I pushed for 2 hours, and i was exhausted after the first push. It def is hard work, and when its all over you will feel like you went 12 rounds in a boxing ring.. but believe me, you will come out of it a winner!!!

Re: "Pushing question"

thanks all! I feel a lot better after reading the responses.