Some basic information about childbirth.
(As a doula I highly recommend that all expectant moms or couples take a childbirth education class with a certified instructor)
Relaxation takes practice! Practice at least twice a day for at least 20 minutes. Practice in different situations since it is easy to relax when everything is calm.
Three types of relaxation:
Physical- relaxing your muscles
Mental-relaxing your thoughts
Emotional-relaxing your feelings
Three things that happen for baby to be born vaginally.
Cervix has to efface or thin. This is like a rubber band that is stretched. As you stretch it, it thins out.
Cervix has to dilate or open.
Baby has to descend or drop through the pelvis. Descent is measured in numbers -3 to +3. A minus position means the baby is above the ischial spines on the pelvis and is still high. Zero station means baby is level with the ischial spines. A plus position means baby is well on its way out.
Contractions feel like menstrual cramps, or a balloon blowing up in the abdomen. The pain may be felt as cramping in the back as well. If you feel any of these and are unsure if they are contractions try all of the following to see if they go away. If they go away with the first step there is no need to proceed to the next. J
Eat
Drink
Walk
Shower
Nap
If it is true labor the contractions will not go away with these activities. If they do not go away then it is time to time them and call your doula. J
If contractions are 10 minutes apart or less and last at least 45 seconds they are good hard working contractions. You should find it difficult to continue activities such as walking or talking.
During the early first stage it is important to keep doing what you are doing. It will help to pass the time. Remember the AVERAGE length of the first stage of labor is 15-17 hours for a first time mom.
The second stage of labor begins when you feel pressure or the need to push.
The goal is to do what it takes to make contractions longer, stronger and closer together. This is what gets the baby out which is the ultimate goal.
Walking opens the pelvis. Change positions often and stay hydrated. Relate pain with progress. Every contraction brings you closer to having your baby in your arms.
The following are some good ways to help handle labor and conserve your energy. As presented by the Bradley Method of Childbirth.
· Don’t pay attention to soon.
· Face your labor calmly.
· Go back home if you arrive at your birthplace too early.
· Use relaxation to handle contractions.
· Use normal abdominal breathing during labor.
· Keep drinking during labor.
· Eat if you are hungry.
· Sleep if you are sleepy.
· Stay active as long as you can.
· Try taking a warm bath or shower.
· Avoid taking medication.
· Continued enthusiastic encouragement is essential.
· Be aware of natural, effective techniques to speed labor.
· Push only when you are ready to push.
· Use positive pushing techniques.
· Be aware of effective pushing positions.
· HAVE A HAPPY BIRTHDAY!