I'm getting prepared for labor, and ideally would like to spend as much time as possible at home before heading to the hospital. We've looked into the signs of labor, pain management, and all that good stuff. We're incorporating Bradley and I'm prepared to do whatever helps me cope with labor at the time.
What helped you labor at home? We have a jacuzzi tub and yoga ball and I'm trying to mentally think through as many other coping strategies as possible. I would love to hear about your experience of working through contractions in your home. TIA!
Re: Laboring at Home
I needed something that didn't require much thought/effort during contractions. I couldn't just do nothing. But as long as I rocked I could handle the contractions. I sat there thinking "back and forth, back and forth" as I rocked.
It sounds odd when I describe it to others, but it worked amazingly well for me. At least, until I started having horrendous back labor. That most likely started at the beginning of transition (I'm not sure because I was only checked once. And then I was 10 cm.). Once the back labor started, the counterpressure DH applied to my back was key. Without that I couldn't have done it. And I do mean counterpressure-I had bruises afterwards. But they were worth it!
I didn't even think of a rocking chair! Thanks for the suggestion
My Ovulation Chart
I had the same plan as you and can thankfully report that it worked out wonderfully.
I would suggest reading the hypnobirthing book and taking a class as well if you're into it. I did the calm / relaxation thing for a full day before moving on to the shower etc and I'm sure it helped me conserve energy.
I would strongly recommend getting an experienced doula - mine was putting me into specific labor positions that really shortened my labor, I am convinced. Just having her there was helpful because she was calm.
I put myself in the shower as I progressed, in an out for hours, doula came and suggested some positions both in and outside the shower, then also a deep bath before we went to the hospital. Make sure both you and your H know how to increase the temp on your water heater and just plan to jack it up as you start heading for the shower or tub. This is to provide you with warm water for as long as you need, not so you can have super hot water.
I had the same plan as you and can thankfully report that it worked out wonderfully.
I would suggest reading the hypnobirthing book and taking a class as well if you're into it. I did the calm / relaxation thing for a full day before moving on to the shower etc and I'm sure it helped me conserve energy.
I would strongly recommend getting an experienced doula - mine was putting me into specific labor positions that really shortened my labor, I am convinced. Just having her there was helpful because she was calm.
I put myself in the shower as I progressed, in an out for hours, doula came and suggested some positions both in and outside the shower, then also a deep bath before we went to the hospital. Make sure both you and your H know how to increase the temp on your water heater and just plan to jack it up as you start heading for the shower or tub. This is to provide you with warm water for as long as you need, not so you can have super hot water.
DS2 - Oct 2010 (my VBAC baby!)
I wasn't planning on laboring at home quite as long as I did (I was in transition on the car ride to the hospital) so most of my comfort items were packed & in the car during labor. I did use my yoga ball a ton, bouncing on it during contractions felt amazing and I was able to rest while sitting on it & leaning forward on the bed. DH knelt behind me & massaged my back with a small rubber ball and we played Hypnobabies tracks. I spent a lot of time in the shower just standing or kneeling under the hot water; I usually did that til the water heater ran out & then went back on the ball.
Just before we left home I had to unpack my rice eye mask, put it in the microwave & rest it on my lower belly. That felt sooo good. At the birthing center we unpacked our flameless candles & fun music but didn't get a chance to use any other comfort items. We'd brought my yoga ball but at the end I didn't want anything to do with it.
Belly dancing was the most helpful thing while I was laboring at home & at the end in the birthing center. I'd taken classes with my doula (who was also PG) for free at a local maternity store so I used many of those techniques to relieve pressure & move DD down. She still wasn't engaged when I saw my MW that morning but doing hip circles & shimmies that afternoon/evening helped move her down quickly.
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I did the rocking thing too - we have a gliding ottoman (that goes with our glider in LO's room), so I knelt on that while leaning on the arm of the couch, face down. I just rocked back and forth, kind of hunched over. That and just leaning into DH and swaying were the most helpful positions at home.
I ended up going in to my OB's office to get checked right around 5cm, so the effort of showering, getting dressed, driving there, and waiting in the waiting room with other patients (mostly pregnant ladies, of course!) for 45 minutes (!!) kept my concentration going and really helped me keep focuses and under control.
TTC since 11/05...ectopic pg 4/08...early m/c 6/09...BFP 10/5/09!
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