All About Birth Crowning

Preventing Tears

There are other techniques that can be beneficial during birth crowning, according to Burns. "It can be helpful for the mother to have a mirror brought in to watch as her baby crowns and/or to reach down and feel her baby's head." This may be encouraging and comforting, since your baby's tiny tuft of hair will not disappear from view.

Partners can also assist during this stage of labor by providing support and encouragement. "Pushing is a lot of work," says Burns. "Placing a cool washcloth on the back of the mother's neck can help, as can keeping a cold drink nearby to sip after each push."