Rainbow Technique

What is the rainbow technique?

The Rainbow is a visualization technique in which the mother imagines objects of a specific color. This can be done as a guided imagery, or by the mother alone.

Why does the rainbow technique work?

The Rainbow is a distraction technique that will keep the mothers mind focused on one thing, reducing the amount of fear and tension she will experience.

How do I do the rainbow technique?

Tell the mother to close her eyes and picture something red. Then slowly tell her that it is becoming orange, then yellow and so on.

As you practice this technique during pregnancy, pay attention to the effect of the individual colors. Some colors may actually increase the mother's tension.

This technique is easily adapted for use during a series of contractions, or for only one.

Some sample Rainbow techniques:

"Imagine something red. It is bright red. Red. It is slowly changing to orange. It is now bright orange."

"Imagine a rose. It is a beautiful red rose. The bloom is full and soft. The red is deepening, darkening. The rose is becoming purple. It is deep purple."

"Imagine a blueberry. A dark blue blueberry; Juicy and sweet; it is growing and lightening; it is turning green; now it is a plump lime."

You May Also Be Interested In: Read some Sample Birth Plans and get information to help put your birth plan together. Find out about ways to reduce unnecessary pain in labor. Search The Natural Childbirth Directory to find a midwife or doula to help you use natural comfort techniques in labor. Find out what normal labor is like. Review the birth plan options that may be available to you.

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