How to Prepare for Labor Using the Ice Experiment

Labor is one of the most intensive things a woman will go through. Although labor pains feel nothing like ice in your hand, this experiment will simulate the idea that pain perception changes with different comfort measures. This is a great exercise to do to prepare for labor and decide which comfort techniques will work best with you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• 2 to 3 cubes of ice
• a watch with a second hand to time contractions

1. Think of a scenario in which labor pain would typically hurt the worst. Example: Sitting down on the couch or a chair using no movement. Whatever scenario you choose, you should make sure that you really concentrate on how cold the ice is and how painful it may seem when its the only thing you are going to focus on.
2. Dump the ice in your hand and close your fist.
3. Start the clock for a one minute, 30 second contraction which is generally the longest contraction you will have during transition.
4. Perform the scenario that you created.
5. At the end of the contraction, drop the ice.
6. Give yourself a one minute break.
7. Create a scenario in which some of your focus is redirected this time. Instead of focusing solely on how the ice feels, focus on something different like a breathing pattern or a focal point.
8. Repeat steps 2-6.
9. Create a scenario in which all of your focus is redirected. The best way to do this is to get up and walk around, shake your hand or your arm, and be very vocal.
10. Repeat steps 2-5.
11. Evaluate each scenario and how your feelings, emotions, and pain perception changed with the comfort measure you used.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the same hand every time with each scenario
• Create your own scenarios using comfort measures like aroma therapy, birth balls, and massage.
• Change the contraction time to meet your needs.