To keep the ball (and the baby) rolling throughout labor, remember to urinate periodically, because a full bladder can interfere with the baby’s descent. (If you have an epidural, chances are your bladder is being emptied by a catheter.) Full bowels may do the same, so if you haven’t moved your bowels in 24 hours, give it a try. You might also try to nudge a sluggish labor along by utilizing gravity (sitting upright, squatting, standing, or walking). Ditto for trying to push along the pushing stage. A semi-sitting or semi-squatting position may be most effective for delivery.
Most physicians perform a C-section after 24 hours of active labor (sometimes sooner) if sufficient progress has not been made by that time; some will wait longer, as long as both mother and baby are doing well.
What You Can Do.
It’s all about your comfort now. So:
Don’t hesitate to ask your coach for whatever you need to get and stay as comfortable as possible, whether it’s a back rub to ease the ache or a damp washcloth to cool your face. Speaking up will be important. Remember, as much as he’s going to want to help, he’s going to have a hard time anticipating your needs, especially if this is his first time.
Start your breathing exercises, if you plan to use them, as soon as contractions become too strong to talk through. Didn’t plan ahead and practice? Ask the nurse or doula for some simple breathing suggestions. Remember to do whatever relaxes you and makes you feel more comfortable. If the exercises aren’t working for you, don’t feel obligated to stick with them.
If you’d like some pain relief, now’s a good time to ask for it. An epidural can be given as early as you feel you need it.
If you’re laboring without pain relief, try to relax between contractions. This will become increasingly difficult as they come more frequently, but it will also become increasingly important as your energy reserves are taxed. Use the relaxation techniques you learned in childbirth class or try the one on
page 142
.
Stay hydrated. With your practitioner’s green light, drink clear beverages frequently to replace fluids and to keep your mouth moist. If you’re hungry, and again, if you have your practitioner’s okay, have a light snack (another Popsicle, for example). If your practitioner doesn’t allow anything else by mouth, sucking on ice chips can serve to refresh.
Don’t Hyperventilate
With all the breathing going on during labor, some women start to hyperventilate or overbreathe, causing low levels of carbon dioxide in the blood. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded, have blurred vision or a tingling and numbness of your fingers and toes, let your coach, a nurse, your practitioner, or your doula know. They’ll give you a paper bag to breathe into (or suggest you breathe into your cupped hands). A few inhales and exhales will get you feeling better in no time.
Stay on the move if you can (you won’t be able to get around much if you have an epidural). Walk around, if possible, or at least change positions as needed. (See
page 377
for suggested labor positions.)
Pee periodically. Because of tremendous pelvic pressure, you may not notice the need to empty your bladder, but a full bladder can keep you from making the progress you’ll definitely want to be making. No need to trek to the bathroom if you have an epidural (not that you could anyway), because you’ve probably been given a catheter to empty your bladder.
For the Coach: What You Can Do.
If a doula is present, she can help out with many of these. Discuss ahead of time who will do what for your laboring spouse.
Hand a copy of the birth plan to each nurse or other attendant at the birth, so everyone’s on the same page about preferences. If the shift changes, make sure the new nurses receive a copy.
If mom wants medication, let the nurse or practitioner know. Respect whatever decision she makes—to continue unmedicated or to go for pain relief.
Take your cues from her. Whatever mom wants, mom should get. Keep in mind that what she’ll want may change from moment to moment (the TV blaring one second, no TV the next). Ditto for her mood and her reaction to you. Don’t take it personally if she doesn’t respond to, doesn’t appreciate—or is even annoyed by—your attempts to comfort her. Ease up, if that’s what she seems to prefer—but be prepared to step it up 10 minutes later, if she wants. Remember that your role is important, even if you sometimes feel superfluous or in the way. She’ll appreciate you in the morning (or whenever it’s all over).
