Comfort Measures During Labor
As pregnancy progresses, and your due date gets closer, the thought of giving birth may be accompanied with feelings of excitement, joy, apprehension, fear, and anxiety. Labor, and the amount of pain experienced during labor differs for every person. As your uterus flexes and it pushes your baby down to help dilate the cervix, you may feel pain like a strong cramp. As your cervix and vagina continue to stretch and open, you may also feel a burning sensation. Most of these cramps, or contractions, last 30-60 seconds, with a rest in between. The kind and amount of sensations you feel change throughout your labor. There are some basic comfort measures that can help you manage any pain experienced during labor. These measures will also soothe and relax you.
Environment:
Create a calm environment: dim lights, soothing sounds, privacy, fresh air, appealing aromas, peaceful surroundings, and warmth.
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Positions:
People who cope well during labor alternate with resting between contractions and different movements that help cope with pain during contractions. Changing positions can aid your baby's alignment, which can speed up the labor process. Certain positions can also help aid your baby's alignment, which can speed up the labor process. Certain positions can also help reduce specific pressure during labor. As your labor changes and progresses, so do your baby's position and your energy level. A position that wasn't helping or comfortable an hour ago may be perfect now. Combining movement with positions encouranges a productive labor while also helping you to cope with the stress and pain of contractions. Trust in your own body to find the rhythm that works for you!
Here are a few examples of positions to try during labor:
Walking
Slow-Dancing
Kneeling on birth ball
Rocking on birth ball
Leaning on birth ball
Pelvic tilt and hands & knees
Other examples of positions are: rocking in a rocking chair, side lying, dancing, semi-sitting with back supported, leaning over the counter or other furniture, lunging, knees to chest, hanging or dangling with another person supporting your weight or by using a birth sling connected to the ceiling, squatting, and sitting on the toilet.
Touch:
Massage, cuddling, counter-pressure, acupressure, acupuncture, ice packs or cold washcloths, warm compresses, rebozo, rolling pin, and sitting on the toilet.​
Counter-Pressure
Hot shower
Knee press
while sitting
Birth tub
Knee press
side-lying
Conter-pressure with ice
Relaxation Techniques:
One of the main keys to managing pain in labor is the relaxation of your mind and body. Relaxing through pain takes practice. The natural response to pain is to tense the offending part of your body. Being able to recognize tension in your body is a helpful step in the process. There is no "right" way to relax. Play with different relaxation techniques while pregnant to find what works for you.​
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Here are some examples of relaxation techniques: visualizations, chanting, singing, meditating, breathing exercises, moaning, humming, and other low-toned vocalizations.