Birth Dynamics Childbirth Article Archive

(1) Understanding and Focus

Understanding - One key is understanding what the body is doing and why these contractions are causing discomfort. This knowledge allows you to see the purpose of each contraction. Sometimes if we know why something is happening it makes it easier to deal with.
Each contraction has a purpose. During contractions, take deep breaths, relax your body so that it can stretch to allow room for the baby to come through the birth canal. The first reaction is to tense up and fight against the contraction. Take it one contraction at a time, keeping your mind strong and focused not on pain but on purpose.
Focus - Stay focused. Sometimes the intensity of late labor contractions can cause distraction and a feeling of helplessness. You may find it helpful to keep your mind focused on a certain object or focal point through each contraction -- like a familiar face, your husbands or doulas, a picture hanging on the wall, pattern in the wall paper, lines on the floor. Some can find help in focusing on a certain Bible verse or by singing a song in their head or thinking about some special memory. Many times having something to focus on can help you stay calm and not become overwhelmed by the intensity of the contractions. Your husband or doula, midwife or nurse--whoever you have helping you should be a great encourager telling you how great you are doing. Encouragement and support go a long way. Kick out skeptical negative people.

(2) Atmosphere

Having an atmosphere that reduces stress. If you hospital birth, make a birth plan. Give a copy to the hospital, the doctor and keep one with you.
Try to have an atmosphere that is calm and peaceful -- cut out bright lights, loud noises, interruptions etc. Try using classical music and praise music turned very low. Candles can add to the peaceful atmosphere.

(3) Knowing Proper Positions

Being flat on the back is the worst position for labor. It is easier on the doctor for delivery but bad for the mother. Being flat usually exaggerates pain as well as reduce the oxygen flow to mom and baby. Being flat on the back actually works against gravity, as the baby has to climb upwards because of the pelvic curve. Try different positions like sitting during contractions, laying on your side, squatting (this opens the pelvic outlet by 10%), being on your hands and knees, swaying back and forth, walking, standing, leaning. Movement and proper positions often speeds labor by adding the benefits of gravity and allowing the pelvis to change shapes thereby encouraging the baby through the birth canal. The baby is encouraged to come down into the pelvis and engage properly. Do not feel like you have to stay in bed the entire labor.

(4) Massage and Pressure Points

The husband or attendant can perform basic massage techniques such as a light stroking to the legs, arms, hair, back, hands or feet. Other types of massage, such as firm stroking, kneading (squeezing and releasing), or rubbing, can be soothing and relaxing during labor. Counter pressure is extremely helpful--especially for back pain and is especially helpful used particularly over the lower back or sacrum area during contractions. Apply counter pressure to areas of the body that are causing pain or discomfort during labor. A lower back massage with a tennis ball while in the hands and knees, squatting or in a sitting position is a great way to help with contractions. A word to husbands or coaches: It is very common for a laboring women to decide that she no longer wants anyone to touch her and may get very irritated at the slightest touch to the hair or stroke on the leg. Be aware of her wants. During one stage of labor she may want you do apply counter pressure to her back, but during the next stage of labor she may not want you to touch her at all.

(5) Relax

Being able to truly relax is a major key. The natural reaction is to tense up when any discomfort is felt. However, this only causes pain. Practice relaxing daily for about 10 to 15 minutes. Let your body fully rest and become still. The trick to relaxing to close your eyes and let your body fall into a relaxed state -- sort of like if you were trying to float in water.

(6) Heat and Cold

There are great benefits to using heat and cold in labor. Hot water bottles, hot and cold wet cloths, rice socks, or gel packs can aid in giving the laboring woman much needed comfort and relief. Wet heat is especially useful as the hot water and steam aid in deeper relaxation of the muscles. A warm shower or bath can be very relaxing.
Crock Pot Compresses -- Using a crock pot turned on low heat with plain water (you can add herbs and/or oils like lavender in the water), place several wash clothes in for soaking. I prefer hand towels because they are bigger. During the peak of the contraction, the person on crock pot duty, would lay a very warm towel across my back or tummy, legs--where ever I felt like I wanted one. It really takes the edge of those intense late labor contractions. I can not tell you how great these warm compresses are. Cold compresses can also be beneficial. Cool clothes are refreshing on the face and neck.

(7) Keep hydrated

Dehydration causes problems in labor. Stay Hydrated. Use lots of ice chips through out labor. Cold water is very refreshing. It is very common to have a very dry mouth during labor; ice chips solve the problem of dry mouth. During early labor you can eat and drink lightly to nourish the body. Starving yourself is not wise. When the time comes to work, if your body doesn't have fuel, it will burn out. A tablespoon of honey during hard labor can add a boost of energy. Examples of things to eat and drink: Toast, yogurt, soup, fruit, Gatorade, Twin Lab's Hydrafuel drink, popsicles, water.

(8) Potty Break!

This may sound silly but urine retention in the bladder can cause severe pain. Get up and go to the bathroom often. As the baby descends, the bladder becomes compressed or squished. Be aware of any pain near the pubic bone in the front and use the rest room often.

(9) Perineum Compresses

As birth approaches, compresses of warm water and olive oil can be placed on the perineum. Not only is this soothing but it prepares the skin for when the baby crowns. With these oil compresses, the stinging, burning sensations usually felt at crowning are greatly minimized or not felt at all. Having oil massaged into the skin and support of the perineum is very important to prevent tearing.

(10) The Water Cushion

Another pain reducer believe it or not is to not artificially break the bags of water. Many women notice that after the water breaks the next contractions become a lot more intense. This water acts as a cushion between you and the baby and equalizes the pressure of the contractions. A lot of women say, "The doctor HAD to break my water." or "My water never would break." It is not uncommon for the water not to break until later labor. The water will break at some point so be patient and know that the water bags have a purpose--some babies are even born with it around their head.

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