Comfort Aids For Labor
When you’re gathering together all the things you’ll need for the birth, think about any items that will make your labor a more comfortable experience. It’s best to get your comfort aids ready in advance. That way you won’t forget anything in the excitement when labor starts, and you won’t be caught unprepared if your labor starts sooner than you expect.
ITEMS YOU’LL FIND HELPFUL
Your midwife or hospital attendants will suggest things you might find helpful during your labor. Pack all these items in a bag and put it next to your overnight bag. Make sure your partner or birth assistant knows where these things are and doesn’t forget them at the last minute.
Distractions Many women find that being massaged soothes the discomfort of labor. Your partner can provide counter pressure with his hands, a spinal roll, or even a tennis ball or rolling pin. Ask him to use a small amount of talcum powder or some vegetable-based massage oil on his hands to keep your skin from being dragged or pinched. A hot water bottle or a heating pad placed in the small of your back can act as a compress to soothe backaches.
In the early stages before labor really gets going, you might feel that nothing much happens for long periods. You might find it helpful to distract yourself with books and magazines or even some playing cards and board games.
Keeping cool If you want something wet and cool in your mouth but you don’t want a drink, try sucking an ice cube or crushed ice. Most hospitals now provide ice. Alternatively, moisten your lips and mouth by sucking on a small natural sponge that’s been dipped in cold water. If you feel hot and sweaty, ask your partner to bathe your face with a cool washcloth and create a refreshing breeze with a hand held fan.
Keeping warm During the later stages of labor, and particularly immediately after the birth, some women begin to shake quite visibly with cold. Have some legwarmers or thick socks ready in case this happens to you.
General comfort If your hair is long or falls in your face, tie it back with clips or a hairband so it doesn’t irritate you. Your lips are likely to become very dry because of breathing through your mouth, so include lip balm that you can rub on your lips to keep them from cracking.
If you feel nauseous and actually vomit, you’ll feel much better if you can brush your teeth, so don’t forget to take your tooth brush and toothpaste.
A box of tissues may come in handy, as may some scented wipes in single packs that can be opened when needed and used to cleanse your face, neck, and hands. For freshening up, you may want to spritz on a light cologne or body spray.
Related Stuff
http://www.pregnancy-calendars.org
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