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Practical Pointers to help you through Labour You
can't change the basic complications of childbirth, but with a
little know-how you can improve the situation dramatically!
And the clock ticked on ......
- Try and keep yourself buzy - sitting around all day long
staring at your belly will only increase the frustration of the
waiting game.
- Make a point of celebrating the last few days you and your
partner will have together as a couple - sharing a warm bath or
catching a movie together, will be something of the past once baby
arrives
- Let go of that 'nesting instinct' - rather save your energy
for the Big Day
- Take to the kitchen and prepare that meal you've always wanted
to - beef stroganoff is actually easier to make with both hands
free
Here we go ......
- Early labour can be long and tedious - keep yourself buzy by
inviting a friend over or make a point of completing that
crossword
- Don't let those twinges dampen your appetite - hard work
requires energy, so try snack frequently, you'll be glad you did
- Don't be afraid of calling your doctor - if your
contractions are lasting between 45 to 60 seconds and you feel
you could do with a little bit of support, head for the hospital
- Everyone worries about leaving it too late, but no one said
that it's a crime to arrive early - spend some time in the
hospital gardens or treat yourself to a milkshake at the
hospital coffee bar
Relax ......
- What's the best thing after a long, hard day? ... A warm
bath, why not wallow around in one now
- Ask your partner to massage your back and shoulders - a
little aromatherapy oil or talcum powder will go a long way
- Don't forget that iced water - labour is bound to make you
thirsty and the face cloth will be more welcoming too
Painful pangs ......
- You don't have to take labour lying down - experiment
with different positions until you find one that suits you
- Flow with each contraction - don't dwell on those past
or dread those still to come
- Now is a good time to put those breathing techniques
into action - fast, panicky breathing will cause
lightheadedness and pins and needles in you hands and feet
- You're not competing for a title in the Guinness Book of
Records - Ask for that epidural, they work wonders for
backache
- Gentle rhythmic movement will ease the pain - try
kneeling on all fours and gently swaying forwards and
backwards
- Reassure your partner during contractions, he may be
feeling a little helpless by this stage
- Calling your partner (and doctor for that matter) every
name under the sun, is a normal part of most labours -
they'll forgive you I'm sure
- Feeling really low and weepy are often signs of
progression - hang in there it won't be long now
You're almost there ......
- Think back .. what was your previous labour like? Did
you end up 'pushing' for at least an hour? if so, choose
an upright position. If your previous baby was delivered
too fast, try lying on your side, it should slow things
down a little
- When asked to push, do so by bearing down, below your
waistline, straining your neck and throat muscles only
leads to pain afterwards
- When your baby's head is about to be born, you will
feel a burning sensation, which is caused by the
stretching of the tissues. Follow the instructions as to
whether you should be pushing or panting
At last .... Your baby has arrived and you are bound to greet
him with a huge smile - despite all the pain involved.
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