Trust your body
The contractions that are so vital to bringing your baby to birth come in a very rhythmic manner. There is a period of rest between the contractions, with the contractions growing stronger to a peak and then receding. The process is like waves on the ocean — building, cresting and then going back out to the sea. This image may even be one you choose to use during your labour.
Your body knows what to do in order to bring the baby to birth. Sometimes the most difficult part is understanding that pain is a normal part of the labour process. Without this understanding, there can be more fear for you and your support person.
Comfort measures in labour? This might sound like a contradiction in terms: the words ‘comfort’ and ‘labour’ in the same sentence! The fact is that labour is not ‘all pain all the time.’
Prepare for labour
One of the best comfort measures for labour is being well prepared before labour begins. If you have thought about the things that make you feel comfortable and able to relax, you will be better prepared for the challenges you may face in labour.
Try this
- Make a list of what you do now to help you feel calm emotionally and more at ease physically. Look around your home and make a list of places in your home where you think you would like to labour or will be most comfortable. Think of how you relax after a bad day at work. Do you listen to music, have a bath, watch TV, or have someone rub your back? What else? How might you be able to use these strategies in labour? Try to think of comforts that reach all your five senses: sight, sound, smell, touch and taste.
Using a Doula
A doula is a person trained in methods to support you and your partner during labour. It has been found that using a doula often reduces the need for pain medication and decreases the likelihood of caesarean section. Search online for ‘doulas in Calgary’ for more information or check out the site for the Calgary Doula Association
- List comforts you will be able to use in the car
- List comforts you can continue to use at the hospital
- Let your support person know which ones you prefer, so they can better help you in labour
- Practice some relaxation techniques by yourself and/or with your labour support person