Of all the stages that occur during pregnancy, labour is usually the one that causes the most trepidation. What can help to ease this uncertainty is to remember that although painful, labour pain is a ‘healthy pain’. Labour pain is different to everyday pain in that it is not intended to signify impending danger or harm. Instead, it is a positive sign that your body is working hard to birth your baby.
During labour your body will produce adrenaline in response to pain. Adrenaline is the ‘flight or fight’ hormone. If a woman in labour feels ‘threatened’ by the pain, excessive amounts of adrenaline can be released, causing increased pain, slowing down of contractions and possible distress in the baby. Adrenaline also blocks the release of the feel-good or ‘happy hormones’ such as Oxytocin. Oxytocin is one of the key hormones enabling effective contraction of the uterus leading to a successful and safe delivery.
‘Active birth skills’ are key strategies that you can apply during your labour to help remain calm and reduce the effects of adrenaline therefore enabling oxytocin to work at its best.
Here are our tips on what how you can apply these skills:
Movement: of your legs and arms creates non painful sensations that will distract your brain from the pain of the uterus muscle contracting (e.g. banging stress balls together, gentle marching or swaying on the spot).
Massage: This can be performed by a support person in different positions such as sitting on the ball or lying on your side. Some women prefer massage over the painful area such as your lower back and other prefer massage over non-painful areas such as your hands to draw attention away from the pain.
Vocalisation: don’t be afraid to use your voice during contractions -use sounds and volume to match the intensity of the pain you feel. You can groan, hum, sigh or yell! Using sound helps you to avoid holding your breath - a simple way to help release stress and tension.
Breathe: this brings oxygen to your body and your baby and takes away carbon dioxide (as well as reducing stress and tension). It can be helpful to count your breaths during a contraction. When a contraction has passed, bring your breath back to a slower, more comfortable rate.
We encourage you to grab a copy of Juju Sundin’s book “Birth Skills” for more information on how to stay active in labour.
May the force be with you!