How to Endure the First Few Hours of Labor

During the first hours of labor your cervix will begin to dilate and efface - changes that will help your baby into the world. Your contractions will get stronger and may start to develop a rhythm.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Nightgowns
• Women's Bathrobes
• Aromatherapy Candles
• Rocking Chairs
• Massage Oils
• Massagers
• Shower Massager
• Toothbrushes
• Toothpaste
• Duffel Bags

1. Listen to your body. Pay attention to your contractions and see if they are developing a rhythm. Most contractions start as a tightening in the lower back and radiate to the front of the abdomen. Some contractions start at the top of the uterus and travel down the abdomen. You may even be unaware of labor beginning - some women move into the late stages of labor quickly.
2. Call your doctor or midwife. Let them know labor has begun. Be prepared to tell them how far apart contractions are and how long they are lasting. Follow your caregiver's instructions.
3. Call your birthing partner. If your partner is your husband or live-in, tell him you are in labor.
4. Adjust your environment. If you are able to stay home for the first few stages of labor, make sure you are in a room where you will not be disturbed. If you have older children, you may want to have someone there to take care of them besides your spouse or make arrangements for them to stay with someone. Dim the lights. Play soft music. Light aromatherapy candles. Turn off the phone.
5. Move around. Gravity is a great aid in birthing a child. Walk around your house or, if you feel up to it, go for a walk outside. Make sure your birthing partner is with you at all times.
6. Experiment with positions. Have a list of possible positions you would like to try. Get on your hands and knees and rock back and forth. Squat at the edge of the bed. Lay on your side. Rock in a rocking chair.
7. Have your partner massage you. Counterpressure on your back aids in painful back labor. Heat and ice packs help too. Roll an unopened can of soda on the lower back. Use techniques learned in birthing class or from birth books.
8. Practice focusing. Have a favorite object to focus on. Look into your partner's eyes. Concentrate on something until the contraction passes.
9. Breathe. Moan. Let refreshing relaxing vibrations move up from your diaphragm and into your vocal chords. Feel and concentrate on the exiting of sound from your body. Keep your tone and pitch low.
10. Eat and drink. Keep your energy up and urinate frequently. Stick to light, high-energy foods and clear liquids. Some birthing facilities will only allow you ice chips until after delivery.
11. Get your things together. Chances are you'll be staying in a facility to birth your child. You need to pack extra clothes, toiletries, food and comfort devices for you and your birthing partner.

Tips & Warnings

• Take a birthing class. You will learn vital information on how birth occurs and what to expect from your body.
• Make a birth plan. Anticipate the things that make you feel comfortable and the things that don't. Give a copy of the plan to your provider and have your partner give one to the nurses upon arrival. Keep one for yourself too.
• Expect the unexpected. If you thought you would like a position, scent, song - and now you don't - go with it.
• Tell your partner and provider what you want. If you want quiet and dark, demand it. If you want your partner to stay off of the phone and by your side, tell him to get off the phone. This is about you and your baby.
• Make sure you and your partner are knowledgeable on how to perform an emergency birth should one occur at your home or on the way to the birthing facility.
• If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.