TIPS FOR PARTNERS
Suggestions for partners for how to help mom while she’s in labor. Everything from massage and cold compresses to simply holding her hand.
Supporting mom during labor can feel a bit intimidating. You want to help but aren’t quite sure how. Here are some tips and suggestions for how you can support and soothe mom while she is in labor.
Remember that just your very presence is helpful. Sometimes, you don’t have to do anything except hold her hand. Other times, there are active things like massage, or placing heat or cold compresses on mom to help comfort.
To keep up your stamina, remember to take care of yourself, bringing enough food and liquids to keep yourself well nourished and hydrated.
MASSAGE
A partner’s touch can be incredibly soothing and comforting. You can massage during a contraction by massaging the specific area that’s feeling sore, or a foot massage or shoulder rub with essential oils like lavender and rose (in between contractions). Note: Typically contractions are 30 to 90 seconds waves of pressure followed by rests in between.
DEEP BREATHING
Try taking a deep breath in and then exhaling as slowly as possible. Notice how you feel….One can’t help but feel more relaxed, right?! This powerful combination of breathing slowly and deeply, combined with sounding (see below) can have a tremendously soothing effect. As a partner, you can help by breathing with mom to help her keep relaxed and focused. The breathing techniques (during contractions) can be a very effective way for mom to ride her labor waves in a controlled way while at the same time keeping her body and mind relaxed. The sounds she makes – even if it is just humming – can have a trance like affect, helping her relax into a ‘surrender’ state of mind. On a side note, if you are wondering why women in labor are shown breathing quickly such as “hee, hee, hee, hee, hee” in quick succession, this type of breathing is useful toward the end of birth when contractions are the most intense.
SOUNDING
Sounding is making long slow sound such as the OOOOHHHMM that is said in yoga class. There is a direct connection between the mouth, cervix and perineum. Sounding gives mom a place to focus and direct, providing relaxation and creating a meditative state of mind. High-pitched sounds (created when the vocal folds are tight together) are not helpful in labor but deep vocals like the OM in yoga can be very helpful. This is because lower sounds are created when the vocal chords are relaxed thus producing a lower tone.
Another way to do sounding is to try saying the vowels,
Aaaaaaa (Prounounced like the letter A such as in the word sAy)
Eeeeeee (Prounced like the letter E)
Iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii (Pronounced Eye)
Oooooohhhhh (pronounced Oh)
Uuuuuuuuu (Pronounced You)
NOTE: If you are reading this sheet at home and have the time, it may be
helpful to watch home births on you tube so that you can get familiar with
the sounds of labor, and take time to practice these sounding techniques.
Aromatherapy
The aromas and scents of your environment tap into a deep part of your brain.
If you can, try to create an environment for mom similar to a spa by using essential oils such as lavender, rose and peppermint (helpful for nausea).
These oils can be sprinkled on a pillow or sheets, or placed in a diffuser. The aromas and scents of your environment tap into a deep part of the brain. Think SPA:
To help labor progress, create a blend of orange blossom, lavender and clary sage. (Clary sage should only be used when it is safe and healthy for baby to be born as it can induce labor.
If you happen to be in a hospital atmosphere it’s really fun to make the room smell great as it enhances the experience not only for the laboring mom but for her support team as well!
Please consult with your birth professional before trying this or any other labor inducing technique to make sure it is ok for labor to begin.)
HYDRATION
Typically mothers in truly active labor will not be eating, however, hydration is critical. Popsicles, ice chips, coconut water and water are very helpful for hydration and energy.
TIPS FOR PARTNERS: Bring a toothbrush and toothpaste for both of you and be careful what you eat. Mom will be hyper sensitive!
Above all, remember, that your very presence plays a critical role in mom feeling comfortable, safe and cared for. She will always remember your kindness and generosity of spirit.
Most importantly, ENJOY THE JOURNEY! Soon your little one will be born and you will have a wonderful birth story to pass down for many generations to come!