Summary of top tips for getting through labour
‘Giving birth is arguably one of the toughest things a
women ever has to do; at the same time it can be one of
the most fulfilling and liberating experiences of a lifetime’
Dr Y Gordon (2002)
Summary of labour
Labour can be painful, there is no denying it. This pain (I prefer to say discomfort) results from a combination of the uterus contracting hard to push the baby out, the cervix stretching and opening (dilating) and the pelvis making adjustments to help the baby through. It is often described as functional pain or pain with a purpose as it is not the same as the pain you get from an injury. The pain/discomfort of labour stops once the baby is born and if it helps, remember that each contraction will be bringing you both closer to meeting your baby. Nine months is a long wait! At the present time you and your partner may be feeling a little frightened of what is to come. Remember that fear tends to make pain worse as it heightens our stress levels, which raises our adrenalin levels. The ability to stay relaxed will help your labour hormones (oxytocin and endorphins) work at their optimum capacity and keep adrenalin at a level, which will help the progress of labour, not hinder it. Therefore, take time to prepare yourselves. Hopefully what we have done in class has helped you become aware of the process of labour and also made you aware of your options throughout including additional pain relief should it be needed. Take time to practice ‘the breathing’ and positions which will suit you both for labour. The more prepared you are the less you will ‘fear’ your labour day.
Why is labour painful?
Below is a reminder of all the self-help techniques that we have been practicing in classes. Try to take some time to become familiar with them at home.
§ Get comfortable - Upright, forward and open positions are the most comfortable (UFO). Practice different positions at home and be adventurous with supporting props and aids. If you are giving birth in hospital or in a birthing centre don’t be afraid to move around the furniture. Note for the partners – always protect your back if you are supporting your partner in any position.
§ Keep mobile – Walking around can help labour progress. Rocking gently from side to side either standing on a birthing ball can relieve some of the discomfort of labour. Also try gentle walking. Walking sideways up and down the stairs is good for back to back labours and will help get the baby into a better position
§ The Beauty of Water - A warm bath or shower can work as a mild form of pain relief. As it helps to relax the body; eases muscle tension and cramps. Remember you have the option of the birthing pool. Hot water bottles or ice packs can soothe backache and muscle tension
§ Shout!! – Ladies don’t be shy. Sing, moan, and groan – any noise at all can help you cope with pain so go for it. Partners – you are doing a great job by letting the ladies do what comes naturally to them. Remember simply your presence is sometimes all that is needed during labour
§ Create the right environment for birth- Promoting a comfortable, safe and relaxing environment is the key. Utilise the use of music and dimmed lighting. Remember the use of familiar pillows, blankets and other comforters can make all the difference.
§ Use distractions-Music and visualisations can be great in helping you both to take your mind off the events of labour but think of these in advance. Also try puzzles, books and mags
§ Breathe – The uterus and your baby need plenty of oxygen to help them along so it is very important that the ladies breathe. Concentrate on the exhalation rather than the inhalation, as this will enable enough oxygen to get into the body. Use the RE (inhalation) and LAX (exhalation). Partners can really help here to keep the ladies relaxed and breathing well.
§ Massage – Remember the beauty of touch. Massage works well on the back, legs, shoulders and face. Partners, remember to think about your own comfort when applying massage. Take regular breaks and take care of your back
§ Go to the Toilet regularly - A full bladder can impede the progress of labour so ladies, make sure that you go frequently (every 2 hours tops) and partners make sure you remind them!
§ Top up your energy reserves – It is important you both to eat and drink whenever you feel like it. Follow your body’s cues.
§ Remember BRAINS – benefits, risks, alternatives, what does our instinct tell us and what happens if we do nothing? Partner, use it for decision making during labour. Smile when you communicate to your carers – you will get a much more back!
§ Interested in Alternative therapies? You may like to look into the following: aromatherapy, homeopathy, hypnosis, massage and reflexology. Contact the Institute of Complementary Medicine PO Box 194London E16 7QZ (0207) 237 5165 or visit www.naturalchildbirth.co.uk
SLO September 2007