How will I know if I''m pushing OK in the second stage?

The midwife will prepare and talk you through it until you get it right. Remember it''s largely instinctive. You need to take a deep breath as you feel the contraction start. Hold the breath and push into your bottom just as if you are opening your bowels. The baby''s head will move forward in the birth canal in response to this pressure. Two or three long pushes for each contraction is what you need to aim for.