Comfort in Labor

Labor

Labor can be a long and exhausting period for many Mama’s and their partners.  During that period of time as you wait for labor to progress, it is important that you remain as comfortable as possible. This will help in reducing your stress level as you move closer to the big moment.   Below, I have listed some things that can help keep you comfortable during labor.

Patterned Breathing 

Breathing techniques provide comfort and focus while enhancing labor progress. Patterned breathing enhances oxygen flow to your baby and is also vital to the contracting uterus.   Remember: When you are breathing, your baby is breathing.

Beverages 

Remember to stay well hydrated while laboring. Mama’s may have clear liquids such as water, juice, ice (personal favorite), and popsicles.

Movement

Many Mama’s dont realize that they don't have to spend their entire labor in a hospital bed.   Laying down is actually not helpful for the labor as it works against gravity. As long as you medically are able to and comfortable, you should try moving in various positions.  Many upright positions or using a birthing ball can be quite comfortable and assist gravity which helps reduce the length of your labor. You can look up some labor positions or sign up for our Labor Comfort Class which will guide you though many of the positions and talk about how to stay as comfortable as possible. 

Heat and Cold

Heat can help alleviate labor pain when applied to the lower abdomen or back, groin or perineum.  This can be accomplished with a hot water bottle, hot moist towels, or warm blankets. Coolness being applied to the forehead or lower back with a cool cloth or ice pack are also great tools.  Using hot and cold on separate parts of the body at the same time can provide particularly effective pain relief. For example, a cool cloth on the forehead with warmth on the lower back. For maximum effect, change the heat and cold locations frequently, about every twenty minutes.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, chamomile and more. They can be used in several ways including in a bath, on the forehead, a diffuser or during a massage.  Aromatherapy is known to reduce stress and tension during labor. Be sure that you use a scent that you enjoy though ahead of time if you are considering this option as your sense of smell is extremely heightened during pregnancy.  It is recommended that you confirm with the hospital if you are planning on using a diffuser.

Focus and Distraction

Fear and anxiety cause the release of stress hormones and slow labor.  Using focus and distraction can be a great method to help reduce this from happening. You can envision something you find pleasant or peaceful or envision the labor itself such as the baby moving down. For this to be successful, you need a birth partner verbally aiding you along. Focusing and distraction are generally used alongside other strategies and may not be useful for severe pain.

Touch and Massage

Touch has a way of communicating pain-reducing messages. A hand placed on a painful spot, stroking the cheek in an affectionate gesture, a pat of reassurance, or an embrace can send positive messages to a laboring mom that you care.

Massage of the hand or other parts of the body also communicates caring. Massage can be done with light or firm stroking, kneading, deep circular pressure, and continuous steady pressure. Rubbing the neck, shoulders, back, thighs, feet or hands is an effective pain-reliever. Receptors in the brain receive the sensations as pleasure to assist in blocking the pain stimuli of labor. Bare skin will receive the signal best and unscented powders and lotions are helpful for massage.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy can be both soothing and assist with pain relief. Many women are comforted by the combination of warmth with the sound of the water. Note that not all hospitals are the same and may have different features.  Some may have a tub or shower while some may have a jacuzzi tub. If being in water is important to you, be sure to investigate this first.

White Noise

White noise can be used to control pain and help focus your attention.  Music can create a relaxing environment. Music preferences vary widely. So load your phone with music that makes you feel good. 

If you are interested in movement with labor, I would recommend talking to a doula for additional labor support.   You can also look for a labor comfort class in your area that will actually help teach you techniques for dealing with pain and go through many labor positions with you. 

If you are in the Cincinnati or Dayton, Ohio area – look no further.  Tamara Kankowski is a certified birth and postpartum doula as well as a childbirth educator.   Tamara provides support to families everyday across the region. Tamara has an affordable birth doula package that includes personalized support during your pregnancy, labor and delivery that continues through your first eight weeks postpartum.