What You Might Be Feeling
- Contractions that are closer together and require your attention
- Need for support
- Tuning in to the contractions
- Less interest in eating/drinking
Behavior & Attitude
As you become more serious with each contraction, relaxation will be important. Tuning out distraction and creating a positive environment to birth in will be important. You may feel the desire to be with someone whether or not you feel like having them touch you. Not wanting to be a lone is something often spoken of.
Ways to Cope
Here are some suggestions of things to do:
- Change positions frequently
- Take a walk
- Take a bath or shower
- Rock in a rocking chair
- Do pelvic tilts (great for backaches)
- Concentrate on relaxing
- Use visualization
- Keep her company, if she wants it
- Remind her to drink and go to the bathroom
- Encourage her to move around
- Massage her back to promote relaxation and comfort
- Protect her environment (keep it darker and quieter)
- Praise her
- Call the practitioner for advice on going to the hospital or birth center
- Call your doula
- For a home birth, be sure your supplies are readily available
Photo © Robin Elise Weiss
