Nature has found a way to make human birth possible by minimizing our thoughts. Labour support can mean different
things for different people, some may choose a small room, with dim lights, minimal conversation with one quiet, experienced, comforting person in the room, waiting patiently. Others may be surrounded by many friends &/or family. Either way, we need privacy and protection from having to pay attention.
Support and counselling can help to relieve any misconceptions or fears.
A doula or experienced support person can provide undivided attention throughout.
Labour starts spontaneously.
Comfort, distraction and privacy allows you to respond to the strength of labour uninhibited.
Staying mobile; upright postures encourage descent of your baby into the pelvis
Be oblivious to the passage of time particularly when labour is slow.
Keeping your bladder empty.
Imaginary practice can be helpful: breathing through two consecutive 50-second long imaginary contractions with a
minute in between; your uterus is strong, imagine yourself relaxing after your uterus has relaxed.
Sleep in between contractions –there is often more ‘muscle relaxed’ time in the hour than there is ‘muscle tight’ time (contraction). In the early stages, it is possible to sleep through some contractions, stronger contractions wake you and you get through it and then return into a drowsy state, until the next contraction.
Drinking & eating small regular nourishing snacks during your labour.
Your baby’s heart is listened to throughout your labour with a doptone or continuous monitoring if required (cordless if available).
If you would like an epidural, talk to your nurse and primary care provider.
Perhaps consider using non-pharmacological pain management options such as massage, meditation or acupressure.