What it is |
How it Helps |
Comments |
Relaxation The goal of most of the other measures is to help you relax, as this is the most important thing you can do to be more comfortable. |
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Passive relaxation can be done by yourselfTouch relaxation has been shown to make a laboring woman less anxious and better able to cope with contractions. |
Breathing | Helps you relax | Slow deep breathing and vocalization usually works best |
Focusing | Keeps your mind busy, with less room to recognize pain signals | You can focus inwardly or outwardly |
Position Changes |
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The more positions you try, the more comfortable you may be, and the faster your labor may progress. |
Support | Labor can be very tiring, support people can help to give you a boost. | Helps the most when there is more than one support person |
Medication | Clears your mind of disturbing thoughts and fills it with pleasant & calming thoughts | Scripture can be wonderful to meditate on during labor |
Visualization |
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Rehearsing beforehand will make it more effective during labor |
MusicWhatever music is soothing to you, but consider your birthing team also |
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Studies show that moms using music during labor need less pain-relieving medication |
WaterAs deep as possible Start whenever you feel discomfortEspecially useful for back labor* do not submerge yourself in water after your bag of waters breaks, use shower only from that point on |
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IV Pain Medication and Epidurals | Provides immediate pain relief and relaxation so you can rest | Because it may slow or stop labor progression, it is not recommended for use in early labor |