Waves of Labor

Shoots and Giggles Photography

There is so much going on in this photo to help ride the waves of labor!

1. Being in water: us birth workers call water an epidural because it helps ease the sensations of labor and relaxes and softens the body

2. Getting on all fours: takes the pressure off the back by pulling the baby away from the spine. If you are experiencing back labor or back pain (contractions all in your back- baby’s spine is on your spine) leaning over like this, works with gravity to help the baby rotate to spine out position 

3. Hip squeeze: helps relieve pressure and discomfort in the lower back and sacrum area. I also jiggle the hips with my hands (if in the shower) or use my rebozo. This helps relax the ligaments and calms the nervous system 

4. Holding combs: when you squeeze combs during labor your mind can only focus on one sensation at a time. If you focus on your hands, it will defer away from the contraction

5. Candlelight: sets the mood for relaxation and calm. Harsh lighting jars the nervous system. The calmer the environment you birth in, the more relaxed you will be. I add drops of lavender oil to the shower floor for extra relaxation

6. Partner support: having your partner involved and loving on you, helps release all the good love hormones called oxytocin and feel-good hormone endorphins that help your labor flow and are natures natural painkillers

7. Cold compress: a bowl of ice water because being in water feels so good but you can get overheated so apply cold compresses to your face, forehead and there is a cooling spot behind your neck that cools the whole body down

8. Doula support: We have deep relationships with our clients, established way before birth. We know our people and provide mind, body, and spirit support, partner support, evidence-based knowledge, education, advocacy, comfort measures, and so much more!

PROVEN BENEFITS OF BIRTH DOULA CARE

Decreased medical intervention in labor

Reduces the need for cesarean by 26%

Reduces the need for forceps or vacuum extractors by 41%

Reduces use of pain medication by 28%

Reduces dissatisfaction with birth by 33%

Reduces length of labor