Labor is challenging, there's no denying it. Nevertheless, there are some tips that will help you get through it in one piece without resorting to pharmaceutical relief.
1. Let's Get Physical
Stay upright and active during labor. While you may not think this is what you want to do in the throes of your contractions, remaining upright and active can actually make your contractions less painful. It helps baby get in the right position, and it helps your contractions to be more efficient.
2. Control Your Environment
Go on, dim the lights. Turn up the music. Do a little slow dancing or swaying on your birth ball. Maintain your privacy. Tell your friends and family that you don't want them texting and calling every ten minutes for updates. They'll find out about the baby after you've had time to get to know your new little darling.
3. Reach Out and Be Touched
Employ your partner in some nice soothing massage in early labor. Once labor progresses, you may not enjoy a full massage as much. At that point, light stroking or cuddling may be more the order of the day. If you are having back pains during labor, they can apply counter pressure on your lower back. Tennis balls work wonders here... they not only provide good counter pressure for you, they save wear and tear on your partners hands and wrists.
4. Wet 'N Wild
Water is incredibly soothing during labor, which is why many women choose waterbirth. Even if you don't want to set up a pool in your living room, you can still utilize a nice warm shower or bath during labor. If you do choose a waterbirth, you can choose from special tubs made for birthing or use a deep blow up kiddie pool or even a large Rubbermaid horse trough. The important part is to have your belly immersed.
5. Its Cool
Keep a supply of cool cloths for your helpers to use. They can make you feel refreshed by wiping your face with one during active labor. They may feel good at any point if you feel hot and flushed by your exertions.
6. The Power of the Mind Positive affirmations, visualizations and positive self-talk are all powerful techniques to help you through the rough times of labor. Remember that millions of women all over the world have experienced this too. All our ancestors have managed to birth babies... we can too.
7. You Have a Friend
Having a doula or good friend there to help can work wonders. There is something about having a woman who has experienced childbirth there to help that truly works. Studies have shown doulas reduce the incidence of cesareans, epidurals and many other interventions.
Use these tips as you work through labor. Listen to your body and change your activity accordingly. Before you know it, your new baby will be safe in your arms.
