Hot/Cold packs during labor

BalancingJane

This might be a dumb question, but I've been reading a lot of suggestions to make hot packs out of socks and rice for labor. I've also been reading that ice packs can be helpful during labor. If you used these, how did that work in the hospital? Did the hospital staff run the hot packs to a microwave for you? Did you bring the ice packs in a cooler? Also, did they help and would you recommend them?

3003girl

i had a cold pack on my lower back for most of my labor - i LOVED it. i have no idea how it appeared though - I was at a stand alone midwife center. I would ask your doctor/mw at your next appt.

lrhagy

i had a hot pack on my lower back.  my nurse just kept bringing it to me any time i asked.  

sschwege

I used a rice sock for my lower back while I was in labor.  My DH or my MIL would put it in the microwave at the hospital.  

iris427

I had a rice sock and my doula would run down the hall and microwave it as needed.

I found the rice sock to be really helpful.

Carilyn

My nurse made hot packs for my lower back (I had all back labor with DD).  She used a baby blanket with hot water from their coffee maker in a plastic bag taped shut in a pillow case.  She would bring me another one when one got cool.  When I was in transition, I got so hot and sweaty.  My nurse used washcloths with cold water on the back of my neck and forehead and I ate ice chips.  Both were wonderful and worked great.

VABride2008

I brought a rice sock for labor but didn't end up using it until after birth.  I needed it for my back afterwords because breastfeeding was taking a toll on my muscles.

 The nurses suggested putting ice in the gloves for a cold pack, but again, I didn't need it.  I did have a cold wash cloth on my forehead when it came time to push though, that was refreshing. 

barine

Its not a dumb question. I had a rice sock for labor which was great. I had ice in a cup and just laid that over washcloth and used hot water from the bathroom. However I barely wanted them because my hormones changed rapidly, 10 minutes I would be cold and would be hot again. Also too focused on my contractions and air was on cos during late spring.

Labor and delivery floors have microwaves, which DH/ your doula can assist with that. I would recommend them, it doesn't hurt to bring.

funchicken

My m/w had hot packs that she put on my back, and they felt great.  I'm going to ask about heating a rice sock during my hospital tour.  I didn't use ice packs.