Top Tips for Labouring Confidently at Home
By Niamh Cassidy, Cuidiú Antenatal Ireland Antenatal
One of the most pressing questions for parents-to-be attending my Antenatal Courses is:
When should we go to hospital? The advice from hospitals is usually, when contractions are lasting for at least a minute, are five minutes apart (from the start of one to the start of the next) and that this has been happening for one hour, or 1-5-1. Sometimes it can be hard with nerves and excitement to wait to this point and I always say if unsure call the hospital for reassurance and if not suitably reassured, go in – you can always go home again (yes you can!). The reality is, for most first-time labours the vast majority of the labour time will be spent at home, so it’s important to have some tools in your toolbox to get you through that nervous excitement!
Labour is Normal
Ok, so it may not seem very ‘normal’ if it’s the first time you’ve done it or seen it in real life, but I promise you it is. So in early labour when things have just gotten started and there’s a bit of an ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ every so often but nothing too strenuous, carry on as normal! Do the shopping, make your lunch, sort through old photographs or tidy your press if that’s your thing. The longer we ‘concentrate’ on it, the longer it will feel.
Home Comforts
Take advantage of being at home. Eat your own food, rest in your own bed, watch your own TV. What makes you feel safe, comfortable, happy? Do those things. Comedies are a great distraction and help get the good hormones going.
Speaking of hormones...
Dip into that oxytocin potion! What is oxytocin I hear you say? Well, it’s the LOVE hormone but also one of the main players in labour and birth as it is the hormone responsible for uterine contractions. So, what makes you feel loved? Or Sexy? Dim the lights, light a candle, have a cuddle…or more if you’re up for it. Semen is a prostaglandin (another great hormone for birth), and orgasms and nipple stimulation increase oxytocin.
Focus on you
Spend some quiet time focusing on your body and its sensations. The bath or shower is a great place to take some time to yourself and breathe. Warm water immersion can also diminish stress hormones and reduce pain. Other ways to relax and focus on your body is to have your partner massage you. Getting a bit of massage practice in during pregnancy is always a good idea as it helps you show your partner what you like and don’t like.
Focus on baby
It’s happening; sometime soon you will meet your long-awaited baby. Try to tune into baby, place your hands on your bump, feel their curves and their moves. Talk to them, silently or out loud. You could even write a letter to your baby, tell them how excited you are, how you can’t wait to meet them or whatever else comes to mind. A beautiful keepsake to give them when they’re older.
Learn More in our Cuidiú Antenatal Ireland Courses
All of this and more are covered in Cuidiú Antenatal Ireland Courses. Our courses are in small groups so there’s plenty of time for practice and discussion. Dates for upcoming courses across the country can be found on the Cuidiú Antenatal Ireland Facebook page and website https://www.antenatalireland.ie
