some things I learned in my birthing class
I just finished up the required birthing class through my midwife. Hypnobirthing begins in Sept. But I thought I would share some things I learned and if one thing, helps one mom-to-be then that is great.
-When your labor begins DRINK fluids. Water, Smart Water, 100% non-acid type Juice (no OJ) and tell your DH to remind you to DRINK a lot. When you dehydrate, even a little, your labor is slowed down. Since many doctors will not allow you drink once you are at the hospital now is the time to drink, drink, drink. (the midwife allows you to drink during labor in the hospital though). Also, low-salt broths are good. It gives you some engery. Do not eat anything heavy, of course.
-Now, I do not know this from experience, but there were BTDT Moms that agreed with the midwife on this next point so laugh if you want to but hey, it cannot hurt to try, right? If you take your thumb and press it into the area right the bridge of your nose firmly during a contraction it will help ease your discomfort. The reason is your brain cannot concentrate on so many things at once, and this pressing will focus you there instead of 'downward'. Again, I have never done this so I am a skepic too but the BTDT Moms in the class said it did help them in the beginning. And again, it costs nothing to try, and if it even helps once that is good enough for me.
-the pain or 'discomfort' of labor is mainly caused by the opening of your cervix. but you need the cervix to open in order for the baby to be born so try to tell yourself that your body can do this, it was made to do this. Fear and panic make labor much worse. If you try to accept the fact (this one is tough for me) that your body is okay doing all of this 'stuff' and that it is natural you will have a better labor, and less pain. If you begin to fear each new moment, then you will become a tense ball and your body will be fighting you to get the job done, hence, more pain. My midwife said think of your opening cervix with this imagine- a flower beginning to open and then bloom. Maybe that makes it less frightening to concetrate on. again,l BTDT Moms swore by this, I have no idea how well it works.
-Bring your own pillow in a plastic bag with you. It might not help you sleep but it will add comfort for you during labor. And if you like lavendar, spray your pillow case lightly with lavendar which is a calming scent. In fact, bring lavendar lotion with you. My midwife said many women really respond to the calming scent and can relax easier. Sage also works. depends on what you like.
-transition is the hardest part of labor for many, many women to get through. it happens somewhere between7-10cm dilated. If you look at transition as 'your almost there', 'you did it' and a positive place it will make the world of difference. this is because your mind will begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel, the baby is really coming now. My stepmom was with me for this class since Scott had to go away on business. She told me later that she totally agreed with this idea. She said with her first, transition was awful for her, but when she had her second, she did look at it as I am almost home and that made a big difference. so again, if you start to tell yourself this stuff now by the time labor comes maybe, just maybe it will help you through a rough spot or two.
-One last thing: know the enterances to the hospital and what times they close. many hospitals close all but the ER after 10pm. the midwife said you would not believe how many DH's panic and drive to a main enterance and then panic further when they cannot figure out where to go, park etc... so just know that stuff.
Again, laugh if you want at some of the ideas but they are all no-costs and cannot hurt you one bit to try.
-When your labor begins DRINK fluids. Water, Smart Water, 100% non-acid type Juice (no OJ) and tell your DH to remind you to DRINK a lot. When you dehydrate, even a little, your labor is slowed down. Since many doctors will not allow you drink once you are at the hospital now is the time to drink, drink, drink. (the midwife allows you to drink during labor in the hospital though). Also, low-salt broths are good. It gives you some engery. Do not eat anything heavy, of course.
-Now, I do not know this from experience, but there were BTDT Moms that agreed with the midwife on this next point so laugh if you want to but hey, it cannot hurt to try, right? If you take your thumb and press it into the area right the bridge of your nose firmly during a contraction it will help ease your discomfort. The reason is your brain cannot concentrate on so many things at once, and this pressing will focus you there instead of 'downward'. Again, I have never done this so I am a skepic too but the BTDT Moms in the class said it did help them in the beginning. And again, it costs nothing to try, and if it even helps once that is good enough for me.
-the pain or 'discomfort' of labor is mainly caused by the opening of your cervix. but you need the cervix to open in order for the baby to be born so try to tell yourself that your body can do this, it was made to do this. Fear and panic make labor much worse. If you try to accept the fact (this one is tough for me) that your body is okay doing all of this 'stuff' and that it is natural you will have a better labor, and less pain. If you begin to fear each new moment, then you will become a tense ball and your body will be fighting you to get the job done, hence, more pain. My midwife said think of your opening cervix with this imagine- a flower beginning to open and then bloom. Maybe that makes it less frightening to concetrate on. again,l BTDT Moms swore by this, I have no idea how well it works.
-Bring your own pillow in a plastic bag with you. It might not help you sleep but it will add comfort for you during labor. And if you like lavendar, spray your pillow case lightly with lavendar which is a calming scent. In fact, bring lavendar lotion with you. My midwife said many women really respond to the calming scent and can relax easier. Sage also works. depends on what you like.
-transition is the hardest part of labor for many, many women to get through. it happens somewhere between7-10cm dilated. If you look at transition as 'your almost there', 'you did it' and a positive place it will make the world of difference. this is because your mind will begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel, the baby is really coming now. My stepmom was with me for this class since Scott had to go away on business. She told me later that she totally agreed with this idea. She said with her first, transition was awful for her, but when she had her second, she did look at it as I am almost home and that made a big difference. so again, if you start to tell yourself this stuff now by the time labor comes maybe, just maybe it will help you through a rough spot or two.
-One last thing: know the enterances to the hospital and what times they close. many hospitals close all but the ER after 10pm. the midwife said you would not believe how many DH's panic and drive to a main enterance and then panic further when they cannot figure out where to go, park etc... so just know that stuff.
Again, laugh if you want at some of the ideas but they are all no-costs and cannot hurt you one bit to try.
