Labor Relaxation Techniques

[theroselegacy]

Okay so I am 35 weeks and have not taken any childbirth preparation classes which I know sounds terrible. In the area I live the classes are rather expensive, and as we all know preparing for a baby can get expensive so I had to take classes off my checklist. I am trying to go natural, and have done some basic research on coping techniques. I am getting nervous, however, as I draw closer to my due date and wanted to ask if some ladies can share things that they learned from classes or tried during previous labor/delivery experiences! I just want to feel prepared!!

 

[MomPepperdine]

Honestly they don't teach you very much in the classes I went and found it a waist of time with my first.

Really the best way to deal with it is staying calm. With my 2nd my labor came on fast and hard every contraction I just locked my eyes on something and did lots of breathing got me threw it.

With my first (I did have pain meds) but before that showers and bath helpped me

 

[theroselegacy]

Thanks!! I've heard warm baths/showers can help. I like what you mentioned about staying calm. I definitely think that must be crucial during labor!

 

[MomPepperdine]

Yes! From what I've seen is my friends and family that are just stressed about labor end up having harder longer labors and one had a cs. I honestly thing your state of mind controlls most of it

 

[Breadsticks]

The classes I'm taking at the hospital have been SUPER helpful! I had thought I would end up having an epidural but after two classes (and I still have two more) I feel much more confident in my ability to cope without meds.

We practiced breathing techniques, deep breath in through the nose and out through the mouth. Or as contractions get more intense shallower breaths in and out through the mouth (but not so fast that you feel lightheaded).

We have also practiced different positions during labor. Will you be using a birthing ball? Sitting on one and leaning over onto a low counter or a larger ball is nice, especially if you have your partner rub your back. Leaning forward is better than leaning backward so baby doesn't try to turn posterior.

They also recommend having something to focus on, like an ultrasound picture or sentimental item. It helps to keep your mind off the intensity and have your "eye on the prize," you know?

Those have been the most helpful tips for me. The bath/shower is a great option too. The room I'll be delivering in has a tub with jets and a removable shower head for massage, I plan on using it if I need to!

Are you able to do a tour of the maternity ward (if you haven't already)? That way you'll have a lay of the land and know what is available to you (tub size, birthing balls, bed positions, etc).

Good luck, I'm sure you'll do great!

 

[theroselegacy]

Yes! From what I've seen is my friends and family that are just stressed about labor end up having harder longer labors and one had a cs. I honestly thing your state of mind controlls most of it

I'm glad you made mention to how state of mind controls a lot. I have been so stressed and nervous lately, but hearing that motivates me to stay calm and composed!!

 

[theroselegacy]

The classes I'm taking at the hospital have been SUPER helpful! I had thought I would end up having an epidural but after two classes (and I still have two more) I feel much more confident in my ability to cope without meds.

We practiced breathing techniques, deep breath in through the nose and out through the mouth. Or as contractions get more intense shallower breaths in and out through the mouth (but not so fast that you feel lightheaded).

We have also practiced different positions during labor. Will you be using a birthing ball? Sitting on one and leaning over onto a low counter or a larger ball is nice, especially if you have your partner rub your back. Leaning forward is better than leaning backward so baby doesn't try to turn posterior.

They also recommend having something to focus on, like an ultrasound picture or sentimental item. It helps to keep your mind off the intensity and have your "eye on the prize," you know?

Those have been the most helpful tips for me. The bath/shower is a great option too. The room I'll be delivering in has a tub with jets and a removable shower head for massage, I plan on using it if I need to!

Are you able to do a tour of the maternity ward (if you haven't already)? That way you'll have a lay of the land and know what is available to you (tub size, birthing balls, bed positions, etc).

Good luck, I'm sure you'll do great!

Thank you so much for sharing what you have learned! I find it helpful! I like the idea of bringing along a picture or sentimental item...I think I heard some women bring their sonogram photos. I did have a tour of my hospital, though was disappointed to find out they don't offer tubs or birthing balls..I'm wondering how expensive the birthing balls are and if I should invest in one even though I'll only use it once.

 

[Breadsticks]

I bought a regular exercise ball for under $20 at a sporting goods store. I love it because it helps with my hip pain and I can use it for exercise after the birth as well. What I found most comfortable was sitting on a round ball and leaning forward on a peanut shaped one. But you can play around with positions, you can lean on your partner (sitting in a chair in front of you while you are on the birthing ball) depending on height.

 

[Amygdala]

I'd highly recommend looking at some birth preparation videos on YouTube. It's free and will give you an overview of what you would have learned at antenatal classes and you can then pick and choose what works for you.
I agree that your state of mind is the crucial factor. I'd therefore also suggest getting a hypnobirthing or natal hypnotherapy cd. Natal hypnotherapy has a birth preparation cd that is great for helping you practise relaxation, and a labour companion which will "talk you down" when you do lose composure during labour. The CDs are about £10 ($15??) each I think.

 

[theroselegacy]

I bought a regular exercise ball for under $20 at a sporting goods store. I love it because it helps with my hip pain and I can use it for exercise after the birth as well. What I found most comfortable was sitting on a round ball and leaning forward on a peanut shaped one. But you can play around with positions, you can lean on your partner (sitting in a chair in front of you while you are on the birthing ball) depending on height.

Very cool, that doesn't sound expensive at all. I just might go purchase one! Btw, I noticed you are due July 10th! So am I!!!!

 

[theroselegacy]

I'd highly recommend looking at some birth preparation videos on YouTube. It's free and will give you an overview of what you would have learned at antenatal classes and you can then pick and choose what works for you.
I agree that your state of mind is the crucial factor. I'd therefore also suggest getting a hypnobirthing or natal hypnotherapy cd. Natal hypnotherapy has a birth preparation cd that is great for helping you practise relaxation, and a labour companion which will "talk you down" when you do lose composure during labour. The CDs are about £10 ($15??) each I think.

I've heard a lot of positive things about hypnobirthing!! And I will check out videos on youtube as you suggested

 

[Amygdala]

It really is a great help, just for relaxation purposes really. But you do have to practise (or have someone to remind you or the cd with you). Last time I looked into it a little half-heartedly and when I had one difficult midwife in labour I forgot all about the relaxation and it got quite difficult from there. Still went natural but I'm really hoping to remain calmer this time and enjoy the whole thing more.

 

[Breadsticks]

That is awesome! We are getting pretty close, aren't we?

 

[yoshy]

I definitely second what Amygdala said about hypnobirthing techniques. I took a hypnobirthing course and I'm feeling super relaxed and excited about giving birth (I'm 38 weeks today and just dying to get this kid out already... haha)

If you have the budget for it, I've heard great things about the Hypnobabies hypnobirthing course, which is available online for around $150 if I'm not mistaken, but if that's too much, it's definitely buying one or two of the cheaper CDs.

The most important thing is the breathing techniques. That's what I focused on most from the course.

Other than that it really depends on you. For me, I knew that the thing that would help the most was reading as much as I could and as many birth stories as I could, particularly the less positive ones, because while I know they can be scary, what I know I need is to have already heard all the potential scary stuff that can happen, in order to be able to prepare myself for the possibility of it happening.
That way, I can keep a positive outlook, and while I'm fairly confident that I'm going to have a smooth and easy birth, if G-d forbid something less good does happen, I know I'm prepared for it.

That said, I know most mums-to-be don't like hearing the scary stories (I prefer reading them, not listening to them, which for me has a very different feel to it), so only do that if it's something you think will help.

It's worth watching some birth videos on youtube so you have an idea of what's coming, and definitely read up about what happens during labour (there's a really entertaining thread somewhere here on BnB with funny labour stories which I read when I was about 20-22 weeks in, and while some things I was a little shocked by, on the whole they're entertaining, and they help give you a different perspective on what to expect during labour).

Good luck!

 

[theroselegacy]

That is awesome! We are getting pretty close, aren't we?

We sure are!!!!!!

 

[theroselegacy]

I definitely second what Amygdala said about hypnobirthing techniques. I took a hypnobirthing course and I'm feeling super relaxed and excited about giving birth (I'm 38 weeks today and just dying to get this kid out already... haha)

If you have the budget for it, I've heard great things about the Hypnobabies hypnobirthing course, which is available online for around $150 if I'm not mistaken, but if that's too much, it's definitely buying one or two of the cheaper CDs.

The most important thing is the breathing techniques. That's what I focused on most from the course.

Other than that it really depends on you. For me, I knew that the thing that would help the most was reading as much as I could and as many birth stories as I could, particularly the less positive ones, because while I know they can be scary, what I know I need is to have already heard all the potential scary stuff that can happen, in order to be able to prepare myself for the possibility of it happening.
That way, I can keep a positive outlook, and while I'm fairly confident that I'm going to have a smooth and easy birth, if G-d forbid something less good does happen, I know I'm prepared for it.

That said, I know most mums-to-be don't like hearing the scary stories (I prefer reading them, not listening to them, which for me has a very different feel to it), so only do that if it's something you think will help.

It's worth watching some birth videos on youtube so you have an idea of what's coming, and definitely read up about what happens during labour (there's a really entertaining thread somewhere here on BnB with funny labour stories which I read when I was about 20-22 weeks in, and while some things I was a little shocked by, on the whole they're entertaining, and they help give you a different perspective on what to expect during labour).

Good luck!

Yes, this hypnobirthing is sounding better and better...just wish I had gotten and earlier start with it. As for the labor stories on this forum, they are pretty entertaining!

 

[ExcitedX40]

I find the course very informative! Mine was free through the Local Health Unit... we have a volunteer nurse who worked at the Hospital teaching the course. It's one a week for 6 weeks (2 hours each class). I've been to 2 of the 6 so far and i must say i went in thinking it was going to be a waste of time for me, and at least my husband would learn something, but i am really surprised at how much i didnt know and that is not in the books or online. (and ive done a TON of research!!) last class we used ice cubes to simulate labour pain and she taught us a number of different techniques and methods to cope. We've covered early labour and we rotated around the room and tried each method she had setup. First was smells (cinnamon, oranges, chia tea, pine, lotions, etc). also helps with breathing and taking slow long breaths through the nose and slowly out the mouth. second was the ball and all the positions to try. third was photographs and focal points. fourth was how to use a chair/couch and what angles to lean and sit (while having spouse press hips togther to releive back pain or pressing knees back while sitting to relieve other types pressure). Fifth was husband had to feel around to find out what body part you tense the most during a contraction. (most people were neck and shoulders). 7th was all about breathing. i cant recall the others there were about 10 stations all to together. oh and one had a tennis ball and all the pressure points to have spouse roll it on.

We also watched videos provided by the hosptial which break down each stage of labour and what ques to look for (length of and length between contractions) to know when you have reached the next stage. She also has gone over a basic birth plan with us and what you need to include and what is specifically available at our local hosital. birthing balls, tubs, medical interventions (ie, epidural (but no walking epidural), gas, etc). We will be spending an entire class covering breastfeeding as well.

They have these classes for free almost everywhere! just a matter of signing up before they fill up. Totally worth it so far, i'd recommend to everyone.