The Benefits of Open Glottis Pushing: Enhancing the Birth Experience for Moms

Birth

Mar 19

In the journey of childbirth, every mom desires a safe and empowering experience. Among the various techniques and approaches available, open glottis pushing stands out for its potential to positively impact both mom and baby during labor and delivery. In this blog, we'll delve into the benefits of open glottis pushing, exploring how it provides more oxygen to mom and baby, protects the perineum, and preserves energy for mom, ultimately contributing to a better birth experience.

Understanding Open Glottis Pushing: Before we dive into its benefits, let's understand what open glottis pushing entails. Traditional pushing during childbirth often involves holding one's breath and exerting force to push the baby out. However, in open glottis pushing, the mom exhales during the pushing phase, allowing the vocal cords to remain open. This technique promotes a more gradual and controlled descent of the baby through the birth canal.

Increased Oxygenation for Mom and Baby: One of the primary benefits of open glottis pushing is its ability to enhance oxygenation for both mom and baby during labor. When a mom holds her breath during pushing, it can temporarily reduce oxygen levels in her body and consequently limit oxygen supply to the baby. However, with open glottis pushing, the continuous exhalation ensures a steady flow of oxygen to both mom and baby.

During labor, maintaining optimal oxygen levels is crucial for sustaining energy levels and promoting fetal well-being. By adopting open glottis pushing, moms can minimize the risk of oxygen deprivation, which may reduce the likelihood of maternal fatigue and fetal distress. Additionally, adequate oxygenation supports the efficient functioning of uterine contractions, facilitating the progression of labor.

Protection of the Perineum: The perineum, the area between the vagina and the anus, is vulnerable to tears during childbirth, particularly during the pushing phase. Open glottis pushing offers a protective mechanism for the perineum by allowing a more gradual and controlled delivery of the baby's head. Unlike forceful pushing, which may increase the risk of perineal trauma, open glottis pushing enables the tissues to stretch more gently, reducing the likelihood of severe tears.

Moreover, by promoting a slower descent of the baby's head, open glottis pushing allows the perineum to adapt to the stretching gradually. This can significantly decrease the incidence of severe perineal injuries and the need for episiotomy, leading to quicker postpartum recovery and improved pelvic floor health for moms.

Preservation of Energy for Mom: Childbirth is a physically demanding process that requires considerable stamina and endurance from moms. Open glottis pushing offers a more energy-efficient approach by allowing moms to conserve their energy reserves during labor. Unlike closed glottis pushing, which often leads to rapid exhaustion due to breath-holding and increased intra-abdominal pressure, open glottis pushing enables moms to exert force more effectively while maintaining a steady flow of oxygen.

By exhaling during the pushing phase, moms can avoid the build-up of excessive intra-abdominal pressure, which can contribute to fatigue and discomfort. This preservation of energy is particularly beneficial during prolonged labor or when interventions such as epidural anesthesia limit sensory feedback. By conserving energy, moms can sustain their efforts throughout labor, reducing the need for instrumental deliveries or cesarean sections.

Improving the Birth Experience for Moms: The collective benefits of open glottis pushing culminate in a more positive and empowering birth experience for moms. By prioritizing oxygenation, perineal protection, and energy preservation, open glottis pushing promotes a smoother and safer transition from labor to delivery. Moms who embrace this technique often report feeling more in control of their birthing process, with reduced anxiety and a greater sense of accomplishment.

Furthermore, the benefits of open glottis pushing extend beyond the immediate labor and delivery period. By minimizing perineal trauma and preserving energy, moms may experience quicker postpartum recovery and enhanced physical well-being. This, in turn, fosters a more positive transition into motherhood, allowing moms to focus on bonding with their newborns and navigating the early days of parenthood with confidence.

In the realm of childbirth, open glottis pushing emerges as a valuable technique that offers a myriad of benefits for moms and babies alike. By prioritizing oxygenation, perineal protection, and energy preservation, open glottis pushing enhances the birth experience by promoting safety, empowerment, and efficiency. As more moms and healthcare providers recognize the advantages of this approach, it has the potential to revolutionize the landscape of childbirth, paving the way for safer and more satisfying births worldwide.