Comfort Measures For Labor
Choosing to labor naturally can seem intimidating since medical means of pain relief aren’t offered at birth centers. But that doesn’t mean we don’t have other effective methods of easing your pain to make sure labor progresses smoothly and comfortably for you.
Comfort Measures to Help you During Labor
Water Birth
Water birth is considered safe for women who qualify for low-risk care and who have had an uneventful pregnancy so far. If your healthcare provider approves of your decision, then you’re good to go!
Water birth has many advantages such as a decrease in the feeling of lower back pressure, which relieves some of the discomforts most women feel during labor. It also helps loosen some of the tightened muscles which aids you during labor by relaxing your pelvic floor.
Laboring in water can also prevent the need for surgical interventions like an episiotomy or epidurals. In some cases, it may even shorten the duration of labor by encouraging speedy dilation.
Birth Balls
If you can’t find a comfortable position to sit or lie in, a birthing ball might be helpful. You can use it to lean over and sway your hips back and forth when you need to relieve some of the pressure that builds up in your lower back.
A birth ball can also be used while you have a fetal monitor attached to you. As a bonus, it’s easier for your partner or doula to rub your back during this time.
Birthing Stools
A birthing stool works much like a birthing ball except it provides more stability and support and is specially designed to aid comfort during labor. You can use it in a variety of positions until you find one that works best for you.
You can use it to lean over or sit with your legs stretched out, whatever works for you!
Labor Slings
Labor slings are another great way to find a comfortable position for yourself. It helps in natural pain relief by alleviating pressure from your pelvis, shortens labor, and reduces the need for medical intervention and the need for C-section.
Aromatherapy
Certain essential oils are known to help with natural pain relief if used safely. Oils like lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint are known for their soothing and comforting properties. You can rub a few drops on your body or diffuse them in your birthing suiteuse them via an inhaler, whatever way works better for you to help reduce anxiety.
Oils help reduce anxiety and feeling of discomfort through their naturally inherent properties.
The best part about choosing a birth center is that you can bring in whatever else you feel like you can use for added comfort!. Communicate your birth plan to us beforehand so we can help accommodate you to the best of our abilities.