Women's reactions to the second stage of labor range from decreased pain and renewed energy, to inceased pain and fear. In this stage it is so important that she receives praise and encouragement with every contraction; she must never be left alone, and she needs a calm, quiet environment. A calm, confident, reassuring touch communicate a great deal at a time when her ability to process information is greatly diminished.
How to help her in the second stage:
--Changing positions
--Encouragement through pushing, the support person can hold her leg, or offer her a cool cloth for her forehead
--Remind her to relax in between contraction
--Offer verbal encouragement
--Offer her sips of water, as she is working hard
--Encourage, Encourage, Encourage