How-To-Guide to Comfort Measures in Labor
Comfort Measures
Do you remember our discussion on hormones and the brain to uterus connection? Some of these alternative comfort strategies and measures are KEY to attaining the uninterrupted flow of those hormones & endorphins! Use a number of these together and alternating in frequency to aid relaxation, focus & peace throughout the birth process! So that whatever may come your way you and your partner will be able to calmly handle and enjoy the birth experience as much as possible!
SOME YOU CAN USE ALL THROUGHOUT THE BIRTH PROCESS EVEN WITH AN EPIDURAL!!!
-Atmosphere: Dark dimly lit room with candles, calming soft music or beach/rainforest sounds, quiet. Is proven to aid peace and relaxation. (very good for early labor as well while you rest and sleep between contractions)
-Nutrition: Eat and drink lightly to keep energy and stamina up as well as staying hydrated for the long road of birth. Which will keep you more comfortable. If an epidural is being used your care provider would like you to limit your intake to clear fluids probably. You will want to discuss the benefits and risks with them.
-Hydro Therapy: Warm wet heat from a bath/shower can relieve pain and pressure throughout the pressure waves & birth. As well as soften perineal tissue to lower risk of tearing at crowning. Also aiding peaceful relaxation.
-Counter Pressure/Massage Techniques: having your partner/doula place counter pressure on your back/hips/knees can relieve back and pelvic pain/pressure. Gentle back massage (more like gentle stroking) & hand massages can reduce the instance of pain as well as cause more of the relaxing and at peace hormones to flow helping to reduce pain/pressure sensations.
-Positional Changes: Occasional position changes will help to encourage baby to come down lower into the pelvis and dilation, while aiding comfort levels. Think “upright”! Standing, walking, dancing, sitting on a ball/chair, hands and knees, leaning on something etc. resting positions as well will help ease comfort such as laying in the tub, side lying with a pillow or peanut ball between the legs etc. The KEY to position changes is –Find what’s comforting and stick with it until it is no longer comforting. Then move on to another position. You DO NOT want to exhaust yourself constantly alternating positions! This will just drain energy and do little to aid comfort levels.
-Aromatherapy: Using essential oils on a cotton ball is also a good comfort aid that can induce peacefulness and energy!
-Breathing: Slow deep breaths during contractions helps fill the lungs with oxygen which will carry that oxygenated blood to the baby. Helping to keep baby healthy through the labor process. This will also aid relaxation and focus for you so that you will stay calm & relaxed through the peaceful birth experience.