Push Prep Program: Empowering You for Labor and Delivery

At Inland Pelvic Health, we understand that labor and delivery are monumental moments in a woman’s life, and being fully prepared is key to a positive and empowering birth experience. That's why we offer our Push Prep Program, designed to help expectant mothers feel confident, informed, and ready for the challenges and joys of labor.

Our program provides comprehensive pelvic therapy training, addressing everything from pelvic floor awareness to pushing techniques and comfort measures. It’s not just about physical preparation—it’s about providing the tools and knowledge you need to approach labor with confidence and control.

Partnering with Local Midwives for Better Outcomes

Inland Pelvic Health is proud to be partnered with many local midwife groups to ensure that all of their clients are well-prepared for labor and delivery. Our goal is to make sure that every woman has access to the information, tools, and support they need to achieve the best possible outcome during birth. We’ve seen exceptional results in reducing push times and improving pushing effectiveness, which has led to fewer complications like tearing.

What You’ll Learn in the Push Prep Program

Our Push Prep Program is divided into key areas of preparation, each designed to address different aspects of the birthing process:

Pelvic Floor AwarenessThe foundation of the Push Prep Program is teaching women about their pelvic floor—how it works during pregnancy and labor, and how to activate and relax it appropriately. We guide women through techniques for contracting, relaxing, and lengthening the pelvic floor muscles, helping them gain control over this critical area for labor and delivery. Exercises and a home exercise program (HEP) will help improve pelvic floor muscle (PFM) coordination and strength, allowing for more effective pushing during labor.

Comfort MeasuresWe emphasize the importance of creating a supportive environment and using comfort measures to make labor as smooth as possible. Our comprehensive approach includes:

• Breath Work: Techniques to help regulate breathing and manage pain throughout labor.

• Vagus Nerve Regulation: Practices to calm the body and reduce stress during contractions.

• Positioning: Optimal labor positions to help with comfort and labor progression.

• Rebozo: A traditional Mexican technique used to relieve tension and aid in fetal positioning.

• Cupping: A method to release muscle tension and promote relaxation.

• Hip Squeezes: A hands-on technique to provide relief for lower back and pelvic pain.

• Massage: Relaxing and soothing touch to alleviate discomfort and ease tension.

These techniques ensure that you are physically and emotionally supported throughout labor, optimizing comfort and helping to reduce stress during the process.

Stages of Labor

1. Latent/Early PhaseThe goal in this phase is to progress the baby into the pelvic inlet. We encourage gravity-assisted positions like upright sitting, squatting, walking, and using a birth ball. Frequent position changes and staying active help to open the pelvis and ease the flow of contractions.

2. Passive Phase (Laboring Down)As the cervix dilates fully, it’s important to allow the baby to descend into the birth canal. Techniques like wave breathing, upright positioning, and use of the peanut ball help create room for the sacrum and tailbone to move, allowing for smoother progression toward the next phase of labor.

3. Active Pushing PhaseThis is when your body is ready to push the baby out! We teach optimal positions for pelvic outlet opening, such as squatting, hands and knees, and sidelying with hip internal rotation. Our emphasis is on what feels best for you—every woman’s body is different, and comfort is key during this phase.

   Pushing TechniquesWhether you’re using spontaneous or coached pushing, we teach both open and closed glottis techniques. Open glottis pushing, such as exhaling with a low groan or hum, allows for pelvic floor stretching and is generally more effective. Closed glottis pushing, which uses deep breathing and intra-abdominal pressure, may be used for more power but requires more energy and can affect heart rates.

Partner Support During Labor

A key component of the Push Prep Program is partner involvement. We teach your partner how to support you through labor, offering effective pain relief techniques and hands-on support methods, including massage, hip squeezes, and providing emotional encouragement. Partners are an essential part of your support team and can help make your labor experience more comfortable and empowering.

Dr. Laura’s Monthly Birth Class

Dr. Laura Steininger, our pelvic health expert, is dedicated to spreading the word that labor and delivery are not like the Hollywood portrayals. Every month, she teaches at Jennifer Bookamer’s Birth Class, helping expectant parents understand the true process of labor and delivery. This class encourages a shift in thinking, focusing on positioning, pushing, and movement—a true paradigm shift in pregnancy and delivery.

Join the Push Prep Program Today

The Push Prep Program at Inland Pelvic Health is designed to prepare you for the most important day of your life. With our holistic approach, you’ll feel empowered, supported, and ready to take on labor with confidence. From pelvic floor exercises to partner support techniques, we guide you through every step of the process to ensure that you’re physically and mentally prepared for a positive birth experience.

Interested in learning more? Schedule a consultation with us today and start your journey toward a smoother, more empowered labor and delivery experience. And don’t forget to check out our other blog on the Push Prep Program for more details!