Another useful tool is creating a comfortable environment to give birth in. I know what you're thinking! You're going to a hospital right? So, what can you create in a hospital room right? True. You can't move in, or bring your favorite furniture, but you can create an atmosphere of comfort! This is very important because if you feel comfortable, and safe in the environment where you give birth, you will be more relaxed. That is the goal, to be r-e-l-a-x-e-d.
Here are what some couples have used, and done to make their environment comfortable and relaxing for the birth of their baby:
scented bed pillows from home
music
room sprays
dimmed lights
made collages and hung them on the wall (pictures of babies, cribs, baby related items, etc.)
framed pictures of loved ones, or pets
music boxes (playing happy birthday, or favorite tune)
a favorite throw
a favorite scent in the air (using a "plug in" scent diffuser) like the Scentball
favorite books (poems, quotes, etc., to read or be read to)
played cards, backgammon, and other assorted travel games Now, what can you think of to bring with you? Hm?
R e l a x a t i o n.........
Along with the breathing techniques, the following relaxation tools will probably be the most important tools that you use during your birthing experience. Many people have never used these techniques, so they may seem awkward at first, even silly. but that's ok! With practice (there's that word again) you can do them comfortably, and you can use them for years to come! Yes! These are also stress management tools, so when that little one is making you crazy down the road, you can take a break, take a deep, relaxing breath, daydream...and become calm.Read Thisat Natural Childbirth.Org - The Importance of Relaxing
The tools we will discuss hereare: touch, massage, music, and visualization (Read pgs 22,23,24 in your book)What book? Now, let's recall why they work. Pressure, cold, warm compresses, sound, and visualization work to lessen the perception of pain byThe Gate Control theory, which says that these sensations block pain sensations to the brain. Visualization works because you are "disassociating" yourself from the present moment by daydreamimg and imagining yourself to be some place else. A Very powerful tool. This is why hypnosis works in childbirth. Actually, daydreaming is a natural state of self-hypnosis! Also, they keep your mind engaged, focusing elsewhere than on the contractions.
Work together with your partner, as you have been doing with the breathing exercises. Do these relaxation techniques daily! The more you become familiar with them, not only will you be abe to choose what you like best, but you will be able to do them with ease, and not panic because you forgot how.
T o u c h / M a s s a g e
Notice how you are sitting, standing, or resting. Are you comfortable, or can you pick-up any tension or discomfort in your body, or in your face? If you can't that's ok. Start becomming aware of the sensations of your body. The following techniques will help you to relax. Do these with your partner.
Place your hands on a tense body part, for example, the shoulders. Slowly, gently, but firmly press down on the shoulders, applying a gentle pressure, and then slowly let go. No massage here, just gentle pressure. If there is frowning, place a hand on the forehead, and gently apply pressure to ease the tension. Do this on the legs, thighs, hips, arms, and where ever you sense, or your partner expresses tension.
Place your hands on your partner's arm and gently, but firmly "knead" the muscles in a rhythmic manner, as if you were kneading dough. No pinching. Pinching=ouch. You can do this on the legs, arms, hips, where ever your partner likes it. Take turns so both of you know what it feels like.
Massage the body with a lightly scented oil (natural base oil such as grape seed, or apricot with a scented essential oil added to it) in gentle, firm, rhythmic circular motions.
Hand massage! Hands hold a lot of tension! This is a great tool to use in late labor. With both of your hands, hold one of your partner's hands, palm up, in yours. Place your fingers underneath the hand so that your thumbs are on top with access to the palm of your partner's hand. Again, with gentle pressure, massage the hand, up,down, side to side, and in circular motions with your thumbs. Knead the soft padding at the base of the fingers.... Now, do the other hand.
Gentle stroking, such as effluerage (gently stroking your belly in a circular, rhythmic motion) This is great for early labor. Not good in late labor. Why? Because those little hairs on your belly can actually increase pain sensations. In late labor, concentrate on hairless parts of the body: hands and feet.
Progressive Relaxation. Tighten a muscle group one at a time. Hold it to the count of 5. Release. You can do this from head to toe, or in reverse, or just where you feel the tension. This is a good one! (Read pg 92 in your book)What book?
P r o p s
* Stress balls! Purchase two of them for tensed hands to squeeze and knead to release the tension.
* Make a massage roller- place 4 tennis balls in a sock. Tie at the end. Roll evenly over lower and upper back.
Music is a fantastic tool to use! It has the power to take you places, to dayream, to remember special times in your life, just like smells (do you remember grandma's cookies)? Use music to help create your relaxing enviornment, because music can set the "tone" for a given moment. The music can be anything that you find relaxing-jazz, classical, new age, nature sounds, anything. Most places accept CD players and walk-mans. Talk to your provider, but I am almost certain music will be AOK! Music is GREAT for baby too!
V i s u a l i z a t i o n
Visualization is another powerful tool. It is so powerful that certain images are suggested NOT to use because they may actually induce labor! Such as imagining the actual birth of your baby. If you do thisimaging too early in your pregnancy, before 36 weeks, you could go into preterm labor. So play it safe, with safe images, up until you are closer to birth. Think about your baby, floating in magical waters. Think of a special place, a very special place you like , would like to visit, or have actually visited. You can visit the clouds, take a stroll in the woods on an autum day, kicking the leaves as you walk and smell the air. Notice everything about this place: the time of day, smells, color of the sky...everything. Visit this site - Relax-Online.com
Where ever it is, it should be a special, and loving place. Think of how this place makes you feel. It should feel comfortable, safe, peaceful, and has a loving atmosphere. Give it a name. The next time you say the name, it will be easier to get there. Sit back, or lay down, close your eyes, take a deep breath, let it go slowly, focus on your breathing, say the name, and drift off to your special place.
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Updated: 6/26/2008
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