Staying comfortable in labor and through birth is critical and possible. Having coping skills and support will make this a reality. Two of my favorite coping skills are using counter pressure and hip squeezes. They are actually as simple as they sound.
Counter pressure is pressing wherever there is discomfort or pain in labor. For example, many people feel pressure in their back and tailbone in labor and having a partner provide direct pressure using their palms exactly where there is pressure relieves the intensity. Follow these simple steps:
1. Use gentle soft touches in between the contractions to help keep the calm and relaxation.
2. During the contraction, have your support person use their palm to press directly on the spot that is most uncomfortable.
3. If it is on the tailbone, then you can stack one palm on top of the other and press directly where there is pain.
4. If it is lower back pain, have your partner press directly on each side of your lower back.
5. If the pain is in the hips, then have your partner squeeze the soft spots on the side of the sacrum.
6. For the hip squeeze, have your partner squeeze your hips at the same time and consistently.
7. It is important to keep the pressure consistent and hard throughout the contraction.
These are both great techniques to use during active labor and work great while sitting on a birth ball. If you are equipped with coping strategies, labor and birth can be very manageable. If you feel prepared, you are less likely to feel out of control or afraid.
Spend some time watching these techniques and practicing with your partner and your doula. Remember that in labor it is important to cope only when you need to and rest in the early stages of labor. Put these holds into a printable plan with the free Labor Comfort Planner.
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