Top 5 Comfort Measures - by Doula Melissa F. Haley
People often ask, "What are the most important items to pack in our birth bag?" Usually, they are really asking what items might help them the most in labor. It is so hard to plan for that first labor because you've never done it before! I'm Melissa Haley of Wyld Garden, a doula and childbirth educator, and I'm going to walk you through the basics of comfort and coping.
Even before you think about comfort measures, you need to consider what your preferences are around pain management. Will you use an epidural? Are you trying for an unmedicated birth? Birth is hard work. Most people say it is the most challenging thing they have ever done. Be real with yourself about fears and limitations. Next, read some other positive birth stories. I recommend Peggy Vincent's Baby Catcher or check out @badassmotherbirther on Instagram. Finally, start making a list of what comfort and coping tools you would like to bring with you into the birth space. Below I've listed the top 5 things I think are most helpful for most people in labor.
1. Breathwork and Meditation
From the most simple box breath to full-on daily meditation practice, knowledge of your breath will help you in labor. I'm not talking about the TV "hee hee ho" that we have all seen. Instead, most people already know how to breathe in labor. The more they practice coming back to their breath, the easier it will be able to do in a more stressful situation. As a bonus, breathwork helps with tough moments in parenting, too!
2. Movement
If you hit a wall in labor, change positions! This can be as simple as getting up to empty your bladder and then sitting on the toilet for a few minutes. If you laying down, get up and walk. If you're exhausted, find a restorative and comfortable position to rest in. If you are using an epidural to manage pain, aim to change positions every 30 minutes.
3. Sound
I am not someone who instinctively reaches for music, but luckily my best friend is a musician! She has taught me that dancing helps clear energy. If you love music, have fun making yourself a few different labor playlists: one for relaxing, another for dancing, and a third for when you need some motivation. Or ask your support team to make a playlist for you! If you don't love music, use your resources to crowdsource ideas. Don't forget to pack a speaker in your birth bag!
4. TENS Machine
TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. The machine delivers small electrical impulses to your muscles through a sticky pad attached to your skin. Stay with me! This tool is a popular pain relief option in the UK. When the pads are placed correctly on your back, it is a safe way to block early labor pain and to distract and release endorphins as labor progresses. A TENS machine is a must-try for anyone who is attempting an unmedicated labor.
5. Knowledge and Confidence
During labor you will likely experience moments of, "What is HAPPENING??!?" or at the very least, "Is this normal?". Prepare as much as you can for those moments by taking childbirth classes, meeting with a physical therapist or body worker to get to know your body better, and hiring a doula if you can. If you can't afford some of those options, read a couple of books from the library, watch some birth videos with your partner, and ask your birth team to read The Birth Partner by Penny Simpkin. Bonus points if you do all of the above! The more knowledge you have, the more confident you will feel entering the labor space.
Find out more about Melissa at https://www.wyld-garden.com/