What an incredible journey we have been on through the Be Empowered Birth Blog Series. When it comes to birth, information is power, and we have tried to include as much as possible in this special series. But we must end this series where it all begins⁠—Z = Zygote!

The third stage of labor refers to the birth or expulsion of the placenta. Following the excitement of birth, the mother may feel surprised when her caregiver instructs her to “push for the placenta.” She may feel shaky or very emotional, and she may be either acutely aware that contractions have not completely subsided, or so engrossed with the new baby that she doesn't even notice them.

The second stage of labor comes with a renewed sense of energy. As a laboring woman has worked with her body to get to this part, the joy and excitement of getting to meet their little one so soon, becomes even more real, as you begin to push. Specifically, the second stage of labor begins once the body has completely dilated, and begins the process of pushing the baby through the birth canal. Discover your pushing preferences and learn a few tips for your baby’s arrival!

In the movies, we often see the onset of labor to begin with a dramatic moment of the expecting mothers water breaking, and needing to rush to the hospital. Though that does make for good entertainment, it is very rarely what actually occurs in labor. Typically, less than 10-%15% will experience their water breaking before the onset of labor. Most commonly, your water will break at some point during labor, or you may be one of the lucky ones for the rare birth of your baby en caul!