Labor and delivery of a child is an elaborate and extended process and can often go up to ten or twelve hours. There are also various stages of labor and with every push, the baby moves closer to the vaginal opening. When the baby’s head has passed through the birth canal and the top or “crown” stays visible at the vaginal opening without slipping back in, it is known as crowning birth.  Once the crowning birth is in progress the birth of the baby is imminent and this means that the hours of effort are at an end.

If you are unable to see your baby’s birth when pushing you will know it is time when you experience a burning or stinging sensation as the baby stretches the vaginal opening. This sensation is known as “the ring of fire”. It is important to stop pushing when you experience this feeling. It is natural that you will have the urge to continue pushing but after the crowning birth you need to ease up to prevent any kind of tearing. Deep breathing and making your body go limp will definitely help you relax.  The pain is also thought to peak at the crowning birth, so reassure yourself that the worst is over.

As the baby crowns, the doctor or doula will confirm that the cord is not entwined around the baby’s neck. After the crowning birth the rest of the body also eases out gradually. Following the birth of the baby, the placenta is also expelled in a short while. The baby’s umbilical cord is cut by the father if he is present in the delivery room during the birth. Then the little one is cleaned and made comfy before being handed over to its mother. The baby might or may not have its first feeding soon after.