- Have a private midwife. These women play such a vital role in supporting you during labour.
- A birthing mother needs to listen to her body, move instinctively and use her intuition
- Hot water is a labouring women’s best friend. Hot towels on the lower back and on the front of the abdomen are fabulous.
- Take a big breath for the baby after each contraction. Oxygen is important for both of you.
- Use mats on the ground, lots of pillows, a bean bag or mediball. Welcome and enjoy your rest phases between contractions.
- In between contraction, squatting can help widen the pelvis and encourage the baby’s descent. Squatting during contractions can also help to intensify contractions. Active birthing positions increase the size of your pelvis by at least 28% and can decrease your labour time by a third.
- Try to urinate frequently, as a full bladder can limit your birthing capabilities. Add a few drops of peppermint oil in the toilet to help stimulate the urethra and the desire to urinate. It is important to stay hydrated and energetic with water and glucose drinks during your labour.
- Stay in touch with your baby and stay excited. Your baby is almost here. Hold onto some of your new baby’s clothing when you need to re-focus. Remember this process is about having a baby – it’s a celebration.
- Focus on relaxing and opening the vaginal areas. A birthing mother can help relax her vagina by relaxing her face and jaw.
- During the crowning, listen to your midwife and breathe the baby out rather than pushing.
By Dr Jennifer Barham-Floreani