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Childbirth - practical and emotional support

Childbirth generally takes place in hospital under close medical supervision, often with the assistance of a battery of equipment. However , even in this high-tech environment it is possible, in consultation with your birth attendants, to use natural therapies to relieve discomfort and promote a healthy labour.

A women about to give birth needs not only good obstetric care but also practical and emotional support. There are many ways in which you and your partner can prepare for the event and a wide variety of natural techniques you can use during labour to promote a trouble-free delivery and a positive start to your relationship with your new baby. 

Many women in labour prefer quiet, dimly lit surroundings , and some experts believe that is is also better for the baby to be born into a gently lit room. Ask your attendants to shade the windows, if necessary, and to turn off any lights they don’t need.

Many women and their partners choose to attend childbirth classes to learnt how to use Lamaze and similar techniques for breathing and relaxation to ease childbirth . most experts agree that preparation for the birth helps reduce anxiety. The presence of a supportive , encouraging midwife can also ease childbirth.

POSITIONS FOR LABOUR

Until relatively recently, women could expect to give birth lying on their backs, often with their feet  up in stirrups. Today, however, many professional birth attendants encourage women to adopt the position they find the most comfortable, and one in which the contractions can be aided by the force of gravity. Upright and semi-upright positions also widen the pelvic outlet.

In the early stages of labour, walking around the room can relieve discomfort and promote a speedier birth. When you feel the need to rest , try one of the positions suggestion in the box B. you may find it easier to go through labour on a sheet on the floor rather than on a bed, because it will be easier for you to move and change position. Even when you to a bed- for example, if your attendants wish to onitor the baby- you can return to a more comfortable position later.

Has labour started?

In the following circumstances, labour may have started or about to start. Call your doctor or midwife if: 

• Your water sac breaks.
• A plug of mucus (possibly blood stained) is expelled from the vagina.
• You are having contractions in the abdomen, back or thighs at least every 10 minutes.

FLUID AND ENERGY LEVELS

Delivery rooms are often very warm you will lose fluids through sweating during labour. You will need to drink to avoid dehydration and thus help maintain your strength and energy.

• Take frequent sips of water or fruit juice (if allowed) throughout labour.
• If you prefer, you could suck on a face washer that has been dipped in ice water you could suck crushed ice.
• Add Rescue Remedy or Emergency Essence to your driking water. These remedies can help you remain calm and in control.
• Homeopathic Arnica is said to help control pain. Take three drops or one tablet every two hours, if your doctor agrees.
• In the early stages of labour , eat a small snack or two to maintain your energy level- as long as your medical attendants agree that you are unlikely to need anaesthetic. Suitable foods include cereal bars, bananas and other fruits, vegetable broth, honey, and glucose tablets.
• You will almost certainly feel hungry once your baby is born, so ask your partner to bring along a picnic or a flask of hot soup.

Copping with contractions

Breathing and relaxation: instead of tensing and holding your breath as you feel the pain of a contraction begin, concentrate on exhaling slowly through your mouth while keeping your face, neck and shoulder muscles relaxed. Once your lungs have emptied, you automatically inhale- do so deeply, lowering your diaphragm towards your abdomen and breathing through your nose. This slow abdominal breathing will help you through the first stage of labour and ensure that you and your baby receive plenty of oxygen. When your baby is about to be born, resist the urge to hold your breath. Instead , breathe quickly and lightly, inhaling and exhaling from your chest rather than your abdomen. Your birth partner can help by reminding you of the breathing techniques you have learned. 

Lamaze teachers encourage focusing on a particular point, sound or sensation to help their clients relax through the contractions. Some women like to have a photograph or illustration to focus on. Many other relaxation techniques can assist you through labour. For example, you may want to try a type of meditation or visualization that you have practiced during your pregnancy. Soft music can also be calming during labour, although some women prefer the room to be quiet.

Massage:  Besides being emotionally soothing, massage can relieve backache or abdominal pain during labour. Your partner should be well practiced in the techniques involved, which can be learned at Lamaze classes. He can use either his hands or , since massaging for long periods can be tiring, a wooden massage roller. Apply talcum powder, oil or cream to the skin, choosing one that is not strongly scented; you may find that you are extra-sensitive to smells while in labour. Some strokes may not be soothing for you; tell your partner which help most. You may no longer want to be touched during the ‘transition’ stage of labour- the stage just before your cervix dilates fully. 

Hot and cold therapy

A well-covered hot-water bottle or a hot pack can help ease the discomfort of contractions early in labour and can be especially useful if backache is predominant. Or try rubbibg an ice pack or a bag of ice cubes quickly over your back. Refresh yourself during labour by spraying mineral water on face with a cool, damp sponge or cloth. 

Aromatherapy

Many essential oils can have a calming effect during labour. They’re best used in a vapouriser. Experiment with different mixtures in advance to discover which you prefer. For example, try mixing four drps each of lavender and sandalwood oils with two drops of geranium oil, and vapouriser bowl. This scents the air in a gentle, rather than overpowering , way. 

Homeopathy

These remedies should present no risk to you or your baby, but consult your doctor before taking them at this time.

• Arnica : to reduce bruising and soreness after the birth. It is especially effective if you start taking itas soon as you go into labour and then foe several days after the birth.
• Caulophyllum: to help promote effective contractions, especially when they are short or stop altogether. Take a daily dose if your baby is overdue.
• Coffee: to reduce pain.
• Kali carbonicum: for backache.
• Pulsatilla: for weak or ineffective contractions, or for when you feel very discouraged or especially emotional.

Flower essences: the following relate especially to the difficulties of childbirth: 

• Olive: if you are exhausted during or after the labour.
• Walnut: if you need help adjusting to the changes I your body afterwards.

Traditional tonic:

Some herbalists recommend raspberry leaf during pregnancy and childbirth for its alleged strengthening and toning effects on the uterus. Check with your doctor before taking.

See also : Pregnancy problems.

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