how to get through contractions?

papeete · May 2012

They are much more painful than I expected, and I've found bouncing on a yoga ball REALLY helps. I'm trying to breathe through them, but it's pretty tough. Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

Temp76535187505890 · May 2012

I found moaning through them really helped. I always thought "I'll never do that, that's ridiculous that it would help" but it most certainly did.

cwm11985 · May 2012

Spraying the shower water on your belly.

sschwege · May 2012

Definitely low vocalizations help, try a warm bath while having your partner pour water over your tummy. If your back is bothering you tennis balls to provide counter pressure worked well for me, also heat on your lower back. My DH made a rice sock, it's really easy:

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Rice-Sock

I know it's hard, but just take it one at a time. If ever you start to have doubts and think you can't do it, keep reminding yourself that you are doing it. There was a Hypnobirthing affirmation I always really liked "Every surge (contraction) of my body brings my baby closer to me." You are doing great mama!

superned · May 2012

The best strategies for me were rocking back and forth (either standing and swaying while holding on to DH, or at one point I started kneeling on our gliding ottoman and rocking while leaning over the couch) and water - the tub if you have one available or sitting in the shower with the water hitting my belly.

Hang in there!

Althea5880 · May 2012

I was surprised by the intensity and pain, too! I never even felt a twinge of pain with my braxton hicks, but from the very first contraction, I had to stop and breathe. Swaying, breathing, looooow moaning, finding a focal point to concentrate on (mine was my husband's eyes) all helped me get through 48 hours of labor. GL! You can absolutely do this, mama!