Comfort Tips for Labour

General Tips

Change positions as often as necessary. 

Here are a few suggestions:

• sitting

• reclining backwards (not flat)

• lying on either side, with or without one leg forward on a pillow

• leaning forward over a stack of pillows

• on all fours (especially for back labour)

• leaning on your support person

• A tennis ball can be used under the small of her back while lying down during

  internal exams or procedures

Medications 

Medications are a useful tool to help with pain if they are necessary and worth the risks involved.  The use of pain medications should not be viewed as a sign of failure or success.  If your labouring partner requests medication, talk with your physician or midwife.

Emotional Support

Use words of encouragement to show your support.  The following are a few suggestions: “I love you,”  “Your doing awesome! ”  “I’m proud of you,”  “The contraction has peaked,”  “We’re making progress.”

Hyperventilation

Both women and men may experience hyperventilation during the labour process. Symptoms of hyperventilation include tingly arms, legs or a feeling of fainting.  It is best to sit down and use cupped hands or a paper bag to breathe into.  This will help breathing patterns return to normal again. 

Lip balm or breathspray are a good thing to have on hand if necessary for either person.

During contractions

• A tightening squeeze on the women’s feet or hand during a contraction by her support person can help with pain.

• Breathe with your partner while she is experiencing a contraction. Use your own eyes as her focal point when necessary.

Between contractions

• Urinate frequently on the toilet, a bedpan or simply by releasing the contents of bladder onto a wad of toilet tissue held in place.

• Place a cool or warm washcloth on face, neck, abdomen, legs, back or arms right after a contraction or just as one begins.  It may make you feel better to put the washcloth on one area over another.

• Suck on ice chips if your mouth becomes dry after breathing through a contraction.  If nausea is a problem, go easy on using ice chips.  

• Cold treats or sour candies like popsicles and sour lollipops can be a helpful distraction.  Store treats in a cup of ice chips during contractions.

• Support person can apply soft, gentle massage on tummy, arms, legs or face to  help ease your discomfort.

• Support person can apply counter pressure on lower back. 

• Hugs can be given as often as necessary!  

During the Pushing Stage

You can help your partner get through labour by being calm, confident and patient.   She may need to feel miserable though, so don’t take it personally if she seems frustrated.  Contractions can be very exhausting both physically and emotionally.

Her mood is likely just temporary and can quickly change to a “recharged” attitude.

Labour usually gets more difficult as time goes by and then suddenly the pushing stage begins and things become much more pleasant and different.

During the pushing stage, remember:

• to tilt the pelvis by flattening the small of the back in whatever position is

  favoured. 

• momentum is important as it is the culmination of several pushes in the same

  contraction that causes the baby to move a greater distance.  

• violent or explosive pushing is usually non-productive and should be avoided.

Remember the value of your work.  Your baby will be born from this experience.  Be proud of yourself and the effort you are making!