Giving birth is known to be one of the most painful experiences a woman may ever face in her life. Labour pain has been known to traumatise some ladies to the point of hindering them from ever going through it again. However, there are also some mothers who claim a repeat experience would be tolerable, given the right labour techniques were applied ensuring a smooth delivery.
It would be safe to say that every woman goes through labour differently. Having said that, the obvious question was raised: Did they actually go about delivering in the right way? Read on to learn more on helpful delivery tips and techniques.
Labour Techniques and Tips For A Smooth Delivery
In this sharing, let us explore the right childbirth techniques and some tips you can try applying as advised by Dr. Sharina Mohd Razali.
How to give birth in the right and easiest way possible has always been the big question for mums-to-be. And according to Dr. Sharina, here’s the right answer: It requires knowledge and efforts, in many ways.
12 Labour Techniques To Effectively Push Your Baby Out
- Raise your head and ensure your chin is on your chest.
- Focus the direction of your eyes towards your belly.
- Hold on to your ankles.
- Do not talk when you are pushing. Save your energy.
- Never lift up your hips/bum. This helps prevent tears and injuries.
- Breathe in deeply and push like how you would when you defecate.
- Ensure you are not breathing out forcefully.
- Push hard for as long as you can (preferably for 10 seconds).
- Rest and relax when there is no contraction. Ask your husband to assist in wetting your lips.
- Without breathing all out, quickly breathe in and continue to push for every contraction.
- Follow the instructions of your doctor and nurse.
- Constrain yourself from screaming to save as much energy as possible.
Right Body Posture When Pushing
- Lay on your back with both of your legs spread open widely.
- Both legs are drawn backwards a little.
- Your upper back should be in a higher position.
- Hold your heels or place them on the available supporter.
6 Tips For A Smooth Labour
#1. Rest and relax to preserve enough energy
Experiencing labour would consume a lot of energy. So it is strongly recommended that you rest well before the time comes to save enough energy.
However, you can walk lightly in the surrounding area just to relax your mind and distract yourself from the pain.
Some midwifery experts agree that taking a walk during the early labour process will help to ease it because your cervix is under pressure from your baby’s head.
#2. Snacking for energy
You should take some snacks like fruit and bread before you go into the delivery room. Even if it is not much, make sure it is nutritious and can boost your energy. You will need all the energy to push your little one out later.
Dates, for example, will give you an instant energy boost while also being nutrient-rich. When you go to the hospital, make sure that healthy snacks are included in your list.
#3. Do not push too early
You are supposed to push your baby out when your cervix is dilated and open wide enough – which is around 10 centimeters. If you push too early, it will exhaust you and possibly stress your baby.
Apart from that, the early push could tear your cervix out as well. You would not want to do that, right?
#4. Keep alert on the instructions of your doctor and nurse
You must always listen and follow the instructions of your doctor and nurse. Only push it when you are supposed to and hold it back when they ask you to. It is vital for you to follow their instructions during this process as they are likely more informed on the conditions of both yours and the baby’s.
Dr. Sharina also reminds us never to breathe out forcefully when you are pushing, because that is just going to exhaust you more. And if you have a respiratory problem, inform the doctor and nurses about your condition. Do not forget to bring your medicine with you.
#5. Do some light exercise
Yeah, we know that you are supposed to preserve as much energy as you can, but according to the experts, there are some exercises which can be done to induce labour.
As written by Catrina Yohay, exercises like squats are believed to help open your pelvis and signal your body that it’s time for delivery. Amazing, right?
But do take caution on how you do it. It’s best to do it with your partner’s help and doctor’s permission.
#6. Have faith
Going through labour is such a critical process. During moments like this, it would be advisable for those with spiritual beliefs to pray with all your heart for a smooth delivery. And to have faith in Him.
For example, if you’re a Muslim, you could recite your zikrullah along the process and ask for Allah’s protection. God willing, this will definitely help.
There are many applicable labour techniques and helpful tips for easing your delivery. Our elders have some to share if we are willing to ask, and experts are also available for support and guidance. Hence, do not worry too much – excessive stress would also not be good on your little one – and best of luck to you during your labour, Mummy-to-be!
*P.S: This post is a translated article from the original post by columbiaasia.com.