| Labor is challenging, there's no denying it. | | | | waterbirth. Even if you don't want to set up a |
| Nevertheless, there are some tips that will help | | | | pool in your living room, you can still utilize a nice |
| you get through it in one piece without resorting | | | | warm shower or bath during labor. If you do |
| to pharmaceutical relief. | | | | choose a waterbirth, you can choose from special |
| 1. Let's Get Physical Stay upright and active during | | | | tubs made for birthing or use a deep blow up |
| labor. While you may not think this is what you | | | | kiddie pool or even a large Rubbermaid horse |
| want to do in the throes of your contractions, | | | | trough. The important part is to have your belly |
| remaining upright and active can actually make | | | | immersed. |
| your contractions less painful. It helps baby get in | | | | 5. Its Cool Keep a supply of cool cloths for your |
| the right position, and it helps your contractions to | | | | helpers to use. They can make you feel |
| be more efficient. | | | | refreshed by wiping your face with one during |
| 2. Control Your Environment Go on, dim the lights. | | | | active labor. They may feel good at any point if |
| Turn up the music. Do a little slow dancing or | | | | you feel hot and flushed by your exertions. |
| swaying on your birth ball. Maintain your privacy. | | | | 6. The Power of the Mind Positive affirmations, |
| Tell your friends and family that you don't want | | | | visualizations and positive self-talk are all powerful |
| them texting and calling every ten minutes for | | | | techniques to help you through the rough times of |
| updates. They'll find out about the baby after | | | | labor. Remember that millions of women all over |
| you've had time to get to know your new little | | | | the world have experienced this too. All our |
| darling. | | | | ancestors have managed to birth babies... we can |
| 3. Reach Out and Be Touched Employ your | | | | too. |
| partner in some nice soothing massage in early | | | | 7. You Have a Friend Having a doula or good |
| labor. Once labor progresses, you may not enjoy | | | | friend there to help can work wonders. There is |
| a full massage as much. At that point, light | | | | something about having a woman who has |
| stroking or cuddling may be more the order of | | | | experienced childbirth there to help that truly |
| the day. If you are having back pains during labor, | | | | works. Studies have shown doulas reduce the |
| they can apply counter pressure on your lower | | | | incidence of cesareans, epidurals and many other |
| back. Tennis balls work wonders here... they not | | | | interventions. |
| only provide good counter pressure for you, they | | | | Use these tips as you work through labor. Listen |
| save wear and tear on your partners hands and | | | | to your body and change your activity |
| wrists. | | | | accordingly. Before you know it, your new baby |
| 4. Wet 'N Wild Water is incredibly soothing during | | | | will be safe in your arms. |
| labor, which is why many women choose | | | | |