Let me start by creating an image for you.
You’ve seen it before time and time again on the big screen. The mom goes into labor and suddenly there is a panic riddled chaos. She is in desperate need of someone to save her as she roars terrible things at people. Then in swoops the doctor hero to “deliver” her from her suffering and bring her baby into the world.
Here’s the thing. In real life, mom is the hero.
In reality she has prepared for her birth as has her birth partner. Her partner is her side kick and they make a dynamite team. Her doula is well-trained and keeps everyone focused on their roles, reminding them what they already know, but may have forgotten in the magnitude of this moment. Mom is coping well now that labor are really begun. She is out of bed swaying while holding onto the bed railing or rocking on a birth ball. She may do some contractions in a squatting position or “dance” with her birth partner holding her.
These movements help her baby to get into a favorable position for being born and allow him to move down more efficiently. Also, movement is rhythmic which is an excellent means of coping with the intensity of contractions.
This is a much more acceptable picture than Hollywood paints for a laboring mother. The one who gets to be the star is the mother. She gets to swoop in and save the day, bringing her baby into this world by her strength and by her perseverance. Remaining in control and surrounded by a team of helpers she has hand picked. Her decisions respected and her team supporting her, she endeavors through labor and birth. She will never forget her raw power.
Movement Can Help You Cope with Contractions
Whether you choose a hospital birth or are planning to birth out-of-hospital, the bed can be an incredibly useful tool in assisting you to move during labor, surprisingly.You can use the railing to steady a swat position or simply put your hands on the mattress and sway through contractions. You can use pillows to help position you on your hands and knees on top of the bed or use a peanut ball (if you have access to one) right on the mattress. Beds are very helpful and readily available to the birthing mother. Like many pregnant women, you will most likely have time to labor at home before it is time to head to your birthing facility so the bed is there for you to keep you moving.
If you choose to birth in a hospital be sure to call before labor begins and ask about the hospital’s policy on movement during labor to make sure that there are no unwelcome surprises on the day of your labor.
“Ambulating in labor is one of the ways you can take control of your labor”
Using Birth Balls
Many hospitals and most birth centers have birth balls for you to sit and roll your hips through contractions while your partner helps keep you steady. You can kneel while leaning on a birth ball on the bed or floor. You can also place the ball on the bed and lean on it from a standing position, allowing you to both move during contractions and rest in between them.
Walking
Walking is another excellent movement to do during labor. Talking a walk around the birth ward or around the birth center while pausing to sway is a great option. You should hold onto your birth partner, doula or the wall to keep from falling. Before you go to the birth facility, or if you are having a home birth, make sure not to limit your walking to inside places only. Your yard or neighborhood are excellent ways to incorporate the therapeutic effects of nature into your birth.
Climbing Stairs
There may be stairs in or near your home which are also a great way to get moving and help move labor along. Consider climbing up and down stairs with your partner or doula to lean on because ambulating in labor is one of the ways you can take control of your labor in the beginning.
Changing it Up
Choose to lie on your side, stand, squat, sway, kneel, get on your hands and knees, recline, or lean on the wall, the bed, or the birth ball! Change it up every half hour or whenever it isn’t helping anymore. You can rock, sway, dance or walk your way through labor. There are so many movements and positions to try while you are in labor. If one isn’t helping, you can keep changing it up until you find one that works.
So think about switching positions and movements during your labor help you manage your pain and even help speed labor up. Choosing to move during labor is so beneficial to you and you will be glad you chose what was best for you and your baby.