Relaxation tips for labor...what are yours?

Rschmuker · April 2014

I'm looking for suggestions and to hear what you ladies may have planned for helping with relaxation during labor... Whether at home or at hospital. What will you or have you done to "create your space" while in labor? Any suggestions on a great oil or lotion that relaxes or calms you? I know Lavender is a calming scent, any particular products you can recommend?

TonyaCody06 · April 2014

Epidural is all I need

Katieluc106 · April 2014

Get the drugs.
I was completely calm the whole time.
I know everyone is different. Best thing to do is make it clear who you want and don't want in there. Also I kept thinking to myself " man this stinks, but I'm so close to meeting my baby" and that kept me calm. Also in my younger days i suffered from anxiety pretty bad and didn't like taking the meds so I took a breathing class and that helped tremendously. And as soon as I got my epidural forget about it was was reading playing board games and having a grand OL time. The more you stress about it the more stressed you'll be when the time comes.

LKHoffa · April 2014

I was just discussing with 2 of my friends on how we all deal with pain differently. One likes to get in a zone and not talk at all. One likes to talk about the pain as it arises. And I like to constantly about nonsense hahaha

I assume that's how I'll be in labor! I think relaxation techniques are a cool idea, but maybe look to see what works for you to deal with pain now and adapt that to your L&D.

Oh, and the drugs.

cMichelle0423 · April 2014

TonyaCody06 said:
Epidural is all I need

This. Lol I really wanted a drug free labor/delivery, but everything progressed so fast and I wasn't really mentally prepared enough to deal with it. I was literally in an all out panic before I got the drugs. This time, I plan on getting the epidural, however, I will wait as long as possible to get it.

Carriebear22 · April 2014

I was actually thinking about birthing playlists, any musical suggestions?

MissBHaven1024 · April 2014

We're doing hypnobirthing this time, so that comes with it's own relaxation techniques.

But I would say that dim lighting, your favorite calming playlist, and minimal visitors will help you greatly in maintaining a calm space for labor. Jetted tubs during labor are great if water is relaxing to you also.

tbmadeamistake · April 2014

Last time I was given pitocin and asked for the epidural at 4cm because it hurt and there were no breaks between contractions. I slept for two hours after that and then it was time to start pushing. This time I'm hoping to go into labor naturally so I can try to avoid both. I am happy to get the epidural if I need it, but I'd rather try more natural methods this time.

I plan to take music, use the tub, and have DH rub my back as needed. We'll see.

LilyGracesMommy · April 2014

TonyaCody06 said:

Epidural is all I need

My thoughts exactly.

ElTrain5 · April 2014

I'm doing hypnobabies as well, so I'll have those tracks to listen to along with some calming spa type music on my iPhone. The birth center has electronic candles and I may bring a diffuser with lavender/eucalyptis oil as well. I'm basically trying to recreate the place I go for my massages, which is a place I can call fast asleep in no matter how much pain I'm in. So I know that's what helps.

ELC252011 · April 2014

I didn't realize some hospitals wouldn't do an epidural before you're 5cm. I better ask my dr at my next appt. I was wanting to do natural, but know that I know I will be getting induced I feel like the epidural will be a good way to go.

Marcilene1 · April 2014

With my daughter I took a bath, went for a walk, and packed my bag. I had a bunch of inspirational quotes that I wanted my husband to read to me, but when he tried I told him to shut up. He also tried to rub my back, but I didn't want that either in the moment. When we got to the hospital I was 5cm and got the epi at 7cm. She was out 1 hour later.

With my son I just barely made it to the hospital. The weird thing was that when I got there I was only 4cm, but in soooo much pain with contractions one on top of the other, zero rest between. I was so mad I was only at a 4! However, 20 minutes later he was out. I have no idea how that happened! Needless to say, with him I had no time to try any relaxation techniques.

This time I hope to just make it to the hospital and not have the baby in my living room or the car. I think it's great to be prepared with ideas and techniques that will help you focus and relax, but realize that things do not always go according to plan. The most important thing to do is stay and calm and realize that nothing bad is happening to you or your body and you will meet your baby soon.

LyndseylovesHugh · April 2014

katburdette said:
For STM+ that got the epidural, did you wait till a certain point? Or did you get it as soon as it was offered?

I got mine at about 5cm, they wanted to make sure I was in very active labor before they gave it to me. Once I had that I was totally relaxed. But prior to my epi I did a lot of heavy, controlled breathing, my H would rub my back, I walked around and got in different positions. Also, my hospital room overlooked the water, so I would look out at that to relax (but I know not all hospital rooms have beach front rooms).

TonyaCody06 · April 2014

katburdette said:

For STM+ that got the epidural, did you wait till a certain point? Or did you get it as soon as it was offered?

I was an L&D RN so with my 1st I got it before ever really in labor b/c they didn't want me to hurt at all. I wasn't opposed. I had a "hot spot" and kept needing to be topped off for coverage.

With #2 I asked for it after my amniotomy (water broken per MD) when I was 4cm. Ended up having to wait several hours due to emergency surgeries that day.

With #3 I asked for it right after my amniotomy at 3-4cm in preparation of having to wait a long time again. Thankfully, no wait that time!

I transition from 6cm to complete and delivered SUPER fast so I can't wait too long.

FYI: just because you ask for it, doesn't mean you will get it right away. There is usually a line of laboring moms waiting and any surgery bumps the list.

Supchica82 · April 2014

This is my first post here, be easy on me

When we heard to bring my relaxation things with me I immediately thought about my "friends" DVDs. I watch an episode or two every night in order to fall asleep. So my husband is in charge of a portable DVD player and my "Friends". I'll also labor and hopefully birth in the tub. A warm bath should relieve some of the pain and tearing! Other things I might try are a birthing playlist, one with my own calming music (Jack Johnson, Coldplay, colbie Cailat, etc) and another with some crunchy birthing music specific to labor; lavender scent, scalp and back massage from hubby and some hard candy to suck on and take my mind off the pain.

Marcilene1 · April 2014

Katherine200713 said:

@Marcilene1 I just had a good 2min laugh at 'I had a bunch of inspirational quotes that I wanted my husband to read to me, but when he tried I told him to shut up.' I don't know why I found it THAT funny but I haven't worked my abs in a few months now and that felt good, so thank you! No advice as a FTM here though, sorry! Just lurking on this post to get tips for myself

I'm glad you got a good laugh! It is pretty funny. The nurses thought it was pretty funny, too.

hlp2709 · April 2014

With first one I did drug free was not easy but it went fast after my water broke. I just found a spot on the wall and watched that until I started pushing. I also hummed a little it helped me keep my mind off from pushing,only because doctor was not there yet. My plan is to go if I need drugs then I will get them unless I don't have time. The tub helped me relax a little.

jenn72178 · April 2014

@ELC252011‌ I missed your update about having to be induced...how come? And do you know when?

curlylocks3 · April 2014

I will be getting the epidural as soon as I'm allowed- both in terms of progress and my blood thinners being out of my system. In the meantime, probably other drugs. After all the contractions I've been having I have zero interest in "experiencing labor".

elsa1688 · April 2014

In our birthing class, they had us do a few exercises where we were holding ice in our fist for 60 seconds and our partner used some of the tools we thought we wanted. Not an exact replica of labor, but it did help a little. Some people realized they didn't want to be talked to, touched, etc.

brooklyngirl46 · April 2014

FTM, but I did go through Shingles last year, which was the worst pain I've ever experienced in my life. My rash was on my back, so I felt like I was being stabbed. I dealt with that by taking hot showers and baths, and watching fast paced TV shows. When I'm in pain I lose all concept of patience, and time. I can't handle slow paced anything (music, etc). I was thinking of bringing both Hunger Games movies to watch/focus on, The Avengers, as well as other actiony movies I probably know by heart. It'll help me focus, and keep me aware that time is moving forward, in spite of everything.

I probably will get an epidural; though I'll wait to see how I respond to our birthing class in a few weeks. Walking helps me when I'm stressed/anxious, so I'm worried that an epidural will keep me from being able to move around. I plan to bring my laptop, and music, as well as something to keep my DH occupied, since I can see he him unintentionally annoying me (love him, but getting through pain has never been a team sport). Lavendar always calms me down, so I'll be sure to pack lotions with lavendar present.

jclester614 · April 2014

kaysa2 said:
I am a huge My Little Pony fan, and I have always performed better when snacks or small motivational items are about. I've decided to buy a box of those randomized mini figurines of MLP and have BFF hand me one to open after each hospital contraction. I figure my irrational desire to get the damn pony with the mustache should keep me focused for at least a few hours.

@kaysa2, I laughed so hard at this, I cried. That is the funniest motivational tool I've ever heard. Hey, whatever works!

Now I'm thinking, what if DH gives me a flower after each contraction...? : )

drby126 · April 2014

Get a doula! This is my 2nd and we just interviewed a gal on Friday. DONA has a database if all the certified doulas in North America. My 1st labor/delivery was with an awesome doula at the hospital and was unmediated, lasting about 8hrs.

Carriebear22 · April 2014

@curlylocks3‌ I thought of you the other night, a patient at work was watching ABC family and happy feet was on. Made me smile! Hoping you and your little ones are doing well

ELC252011 · April 2014

@jenn72178 I'm not sure when.. My Ob is taking it one week at a time. I promise I will txt you when I have the date set. She did say it would be between 37-39 weeks. I have gestational hypertension and shes affraid it might turn into pre-e

jenn72178 · April 2014

@ELC252011 not "loving" the hypertension/pre-e portion of that post.. OK keep me posted I'm sure everyone will want to hear the news when baby is here!

ELC252011 · April 2014

@jenn72178 I will, I know I'm not liking it either

just want everything to be ok.

jenn72178 · April 2014

Thinking of you @ELC252011 - you are going to do great and everything will be fine I'm sure. You are in good hands - especially with where you work. I'm sure everyone is keeping a close eye on you!

FutureMrsW9 · April 2014

Epidural for sure!!!

ELC252011 · April 2014

@jenn72178 Thank You!

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Relaxation tips for labor...what are yours?

Re: Relaxation tips for labor...what are yours?

Married DH 7/30/11

CSC arrived 5/7/12

CHC arrived 6/2/14

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