Calm
KEEPING CALM, AND LABOURING ON…
When preparing for your labour and birth, don’t forget to B.R.E.A.T.H.E.!
There is no doubt that labouring to bring your baby into this world is WORK! While we all have different preferences and goals of care for our labour and birth, the environment you’re in can impact your ability to release and relax your body and allow labour to progress.
Use the acronym B.R.E.A.T.H.E. to create an environment of calm, confidence and empowerment for your birth!
BREATH - Notice your breath -are you able to take slow deep belly breaths to calm yourself and release tension from your body even during contractions? Learn to Belly Breathe here. It’s okay to vocalize with moans and sighs. Keep your sounds low and guttural so that your shoulders, neck and face stay released and not scrunched up.
REST & RELAXATION - What are the ways that help you relax in your everyday? Movement? Touch/ Message? Meditation? Bath/ Shower? Quiet time? Other? Incorporate this into your labour and birth! This video shows you a few ways to get rest while keeping labour “active” and keeping it progressing.
EMOTIONS - What kind of emotional support resonates with you? Quite hand-holding? A firm advocate for your wishes? Gentle encouragement? Validation? Coaching? Sometimes, just a single word or phrase can help: “Release”, Surrender”, “Open”, “Yes, baby”, “this is the way”. What comes to mind that makes you feel grounded? Teach your support people to how to meet your emotional needs by sharing what makes you feel safe and cared for.
ACTIVITY - Consider different types of movement and positions for comfort and coping. Movement on a birth ball, slow dancing, walking, all fours, and positions and movements can feel good and help progress your labour. This movement sequence is wonderful to practice while you’re pregnant and during labour. Movement for Birth: Preparation & Labour.
TOUCH - What forms of touch resonate with you, and where? A firm hold on your ankles, feet or shoulders? Stroking down your back or legs, or maybe a rhythmic massage? A firm push on your sacrum or squeeze of your hips by a support person can feel very comforting. Or perhaps you prefer no touch at all?! Experiment with touch in the weeks leading up to your birth and communicate your preferences.
HEARING - Many people prefer a quiet and calm environment during labour. Positive and encouraging words that support your labouring and birth goals are also important. Music is a great option to help you relax. If you’re on Spotify check out this Birth Playlist: Birthing Day
ENVIRONMENT - Your surroundings are important. You may want to consider scents (essential oils), dimming the lights or covering bright light of the clock in the hospital, LED candles and bringing familiar items from home that make you feel safe & relaxed. Comfort food & beverages are also a great option. Check out our DIY Labour-Aid Beverage full of electrolytes and a little energy.
Need some help setting up your birth environment and goals of care? Contact me!
