Helping the mother relax in stage 1
Helping the mother relax in stage 1
Labor can be more difficult when the woman is afraid or tense. Fear is common
in labor, especially for first-time mothers. Reassuring the woman that the pain
she has is normal can help lessen that fear. Sometimes the most helpful thing to
do is to help a woman relax her body.
Touch
Touch can help a woman in labor, but find out what kind of
touch she wants. Here are some examples of touch that
many women like:
• A firm, still hand pressing on the lower back
during contractions.
• Massage between contractions,
especially on the feet or back.
(Do not massage the belly.
It will not speed labor and can
cause the placenta to separate.)
• Hot or cold cloths on the lower back
or belly. If the mother is sweating,
a cool wet cloth on the forehead
usually feels good.
Sounds
Making sounds in labor can help women to open. Not all women want to
make noise, but encourage women to try.
Low sounds, like growling animal noises or humming can be very helpful.
Some women chant or sing. The woman can be as loud as she wants to be.
Aauu
uunn
nnnh.
Some noises can make women feel
more tense. High-pitched sounds and
screams usually do not help. If she starts to
make high, tense sounds, ask her to make
low sounds. You can make low sounds
yourself to guide her.
169
A Book for Midwives (2010)