Parental Playground

Baby Time! - Contractions & Labor

When Mother Experiences Contractions:
• Be aware that it is probably false labor if the contractions are irregular and go away with physical activity, stopping physical activity, drinking more fluids, or changing position
• Be aware that it is probably true labor if the contractions are regular
• If contractions are believed to be true labor contractions:
  • Make each breath quicker and less deep until height of contraction
  • Stop eating solids
  • Shower (you won't get another chance to shower once labor begins!)
  • Notify the people that you would like to have at hospital during labor

When/If Mother's Water Breaks:
• Take note of the following info:
  • Was it a gush of water or a trickle?
  • If a gush, check with your hand and feel to make sure umbilical cord did not come out.
    If you feel the umbilical cord has fallen outside of vagina, immediately lay down with pelvis and legs raised as far into the air as possible (use a chair/sofa) to take pressure off of the cord. Call 9-1-1 / Ambulance.
  • Color of fluid (clear, pink, brownish?)
• Call your doctor
• Make arrangements for your other kids, pets, etc.
• Take a shower
• Go to hospital (once the plug opens up, there's a greater risk of infection, etc. for the baby)

During the Early Stages of Labor:
• Read book
• Play music
• Call doctor when contractions are approx 10 minutes apart (or as instructed by your doctor)

Upon Arrival at the Hospital:
• Determine how to operate bed
• Obtain ice chips
• Locate K basin
• Set up video camera
• Have still camera(s) ready (i.e. loaded with film)

During Labor:
• Consider changing positions regularly - sometimes is good to change positions to help baby rotate:
  • Hands + knees
  • Walk around
  • Squat
  • On your side
  • Use a bean bag chair

FATHER/COACH:
• Apply pressure to lower back
• Stroke lower half of abdomen
• Massage thighs
• Tell her stories
• Read to her
• Check for tension during and between contractions - remind her to relax - mild massage
• Remind her to urinate often (i.e. once/hour)
• Comfort measures:
  • Lollipops
  • Ice chips
  • Wipe face with cool damp cloth
  • Massage
  • Back rub.
  • Lip balm
  • Change positions
• Provide encouragement:
  • "You're doing great"
  • "Keep up the good work"
  • "Our baby is almost here"
  • "It's all going to be worth it"
• Count breathing during contractions
• Use bathroom often
• Start video camera

Remember:
• The pain you are experiencing is not evil; it is a natural, normal aspect of expelling a baby from the womb
• It's going to hurt
• It's going to be hard
• This is like a grueling sports event, e.g., the final stretch of a marathon
• 3-14% of women experience no pain during labor and delivery (even without breathing techniques, etc.)
• 20% of women in childbirth classes report having felt no pain
• Women with irregular periods with acute cramps at the onset tend to have significantly more childbirth pain