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Your VBAC: Achieving Comfort During Labor During the second and third trimesters, many expectant mothers begin taking childbirth education courses, as well as taking classes for their desired birthing method, i.e. Lamaze, HypnoBirthing, Bradley Method. One of the most important thing that expectant mothers will learn in these types of classes is that there are ways of easing labor discomfort, without medications. While not every expectant mother desires a natural labor, these methods can also be used for those planning a medicated one. Even expectant mothers planning a medicated labor will endure the pain of labor until the necessary dilation has been achieved. Heat & Cold: The two variations of heat and cold can offer comfort when alternated, or even when only one is used. Heat can be used with a hot bath, warm compresses, or hot shower. A hot bath provides an excellent way to ease pain since it gives the feeling of weightlessness as well as letting the heat surround the body. A hot shower can be helpful since the water can be centered on a particular area and provide heat in that area. Hot compresses, like the shower, allow the heat to be placed on the exact point of pain. The use of cold can be used in compresses as well as cool cloths. Compresses can be applied to the point of pain, offering relief, and cool cloths can be applied to the face, back, arms and legs to help cool off during labor. Environment: While it may not seem an essential way of providing comfort during labor, the environment is very important in doing so. Many laboring mothers prefer playing light music in the background, or using a method known as Aromatherapy. Even dimming the lights, keeping the room cool or warm can help. Also, having family members and close friends in the room can also provide a sense of calm and closeness. Massage: The desire to be touched during labor varies from woman to woman. Many women do not want to be touched at all during a contraction, while others find comfort in massage, pressure or stroking. During a contraction, applying pressure to the lower back can actually help take the edge off of the contraction. Massaging the lower back, legs, feet, or arms can also help during a contraction, by relaxing the body. Stroking or rubbing the area softly can also help to relax the area as well. Being Vocal & Focused: These two methods are actually used in many birthing methods as a way of getting through each contraction. Vocalizing during a contraction by moaning or groaning can provide a sense of release for the laboring mother. Focusing on an object instead of the pain of the contraction can also provide a sense of release. Movement: Many laboring mothers find that movement can help ease the pain of labor. Whether it be walking, rocking, squatting or swaying, movement can be helpful. Many hospitals and birthing centers offer birthing balls, squatting bars, rocking chairs and extra pillows to help assist laboring moms. One very important thing to remember is that staying in the bed without movement can actually increase the pain of labor. If the laboring mother is able to get up, i.e., no continous fetal monitoring, then she most definitely should. Movement can also help speed up the progress of dilation. Whether an expectant mother chooses to have a medicated or natural labor, these methods can help. Expectant moms should check with their doctors and hospitals to make sure that methods such as birthing balls, music, rocking chairs, etc. are provided and allowed. While laboring is a painful process, taking these methods and applying them can make it easier. Copyright 2004 Jaime Warren |
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