Active Labor Mistakes
Staying in Bed
Some first time moms have the impression that when you are in labor, you go to the hospital and lie in a bed. While this image makes for very easy filming of labors for movies, it isn't real and it isn't healthy.
During labor, the body gives signals to move and change position. When a mother responds to these signals and cues, her labor is able to progress normally and she is the most comfortable. Changing positions also makes it easier for the baby to navigate the pelvis, effectively shortening labor.
It is also worth mentioning that the MOST uncomfortable position for laboring is lying on the back. So if the mother is going to stay in bed, at least encourage her to stay on her side.
Trying to "Do Everything"
The opposite of the mother who climbs in bed and stays there is the mother who tries to do every position and comfort measure because she believes that is what she is supposed to do. This type of mother will do a position or technique for one or two contractions and then get up and move to the next position.
Although it is good to change positions and techniques during labor, these changes should be in response to cues from the mother's body not because the mother wants to "try everything." Once the mother is in a position or successfully using a technique, she should continue through several contractions until her body needs a change. Some birth professionals refer to this repetition through contractions as a birth ritual or routine. Rarely, the mother will miss the cue and need to be prompted to move after 30-60 minutes. If the new position does not feel comfortable to the mother within a few contractions, help her move back to her ritual position. Even that small change for just a few contractions will be helpful.
Trying to force change during the labor when the mother is not ready can distract the mother, pulling her mental and physical energy away from the labor. As long as the labor is progressing normally, and there is no concern for the safety of the mother or baby, the mother should be allowed to continue with what is comfortable.
Having Too Many Distractions
Laboring takes extensive mental energy. The mother must work with her body to keep it relaxed and allow the labor to continue normally. Having distractions can cause the mother to lose her focus, drain her energy and increase her discomfort during the labor.
Many women find that having someone talk to them during labor is calming and reassuring. However, that talking should not include forcing the mother to respond. For many women in active labor, responding to the conversation takes too much energy.
Allow the mother to set the tone and the pace. Do not force fast movements or conversation.
Stopping Regular Activity
Inevitably, there are mothers and grandmothers who try to convince women that once labor starts, you have to stop everything and lie down. Just like paying attention to the labor too soon, this behavior will set the mother up for a terribly long and boring labor. It may cause her to become overly fatigued mentally and emotionally.
As long as physically possible, a mother should continue her normal activities during labor. For some women, this will be well into active labor with stops for the peak of contractions. It is not unsafe to go about ones regular daily routine in labor. When it is time to pay attention, the body will alert the mother.
Not Mentally Laboring
I have seen first hand the ability a mother has for shutting down her labor. The Fear-Tension-Pain Cycle doesn't just cause pain. The chemicals released into the body can slow down and stop labor without causing pain. When a mother is overly distracted, for example with the care of an older child or in a conversation she thinks is important, her labor can slow down or even stop.
If the mother is not willing to put the mental energy into laboring, the labor will either stop, or it will be long and painful. There is no substitute for being mentally present at the labor.
You May Also Be Interested In:Learn what normal labor is like. Practice your new labor skills with virtual labor. The Natural Childbirth Directory can help you find more information about birth and locate childbirth professionals. The Coach's Notebook helps you learn tools and techniques to manage labor. Do some self exploration to discover how you will act in labor. |
|
© Copyright 2000-2008 Jennifer VanderLaan and Birthing Naturally
Home | Site Index | Disclaimer | Contact
|
|