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Relaxation techniques
I went to R. for another birth preparation lesson this morning. I was alone with her today, her husband was at work. It was the class about comfort measures and relaxation during birth. It was a really interesting because R. seems very into it. I have the feeling that she is well prepared for her upcoming birth, mentally as well as physically. She is interested in a natural birth without drugs.
Giving birth naturally is a realistic option for most women. You need to realize that giving birth, being in labor, is very hard work. But it can be done. Being mentally prepared for the tough job is half of what you need, the other half is relaxation. Being relaxed is key to having a successful drug-free birth. If you know how to relax your body, I mean really relax your body, you will be able to ride the contractions like a wave.
When you tense up, your contractions will feel more painful. And the more painful it is, the more tense you will be and before you know it, you're going around in a downward spiral. So, you need to train yourself to relax the different body parts. It is something you need to practice during your pregnancy, so that your body will know what to do when the time is there.
We did some relaxation exercises, and I noticed that R. knows how to relax her body really well. That is going to work to her advantage during labor! It makes my job a whole lot easier, because it's extremely difficult to teach someone how to relax, especially during the birth.
I also taught her some good positions and movements for labor, as well as the Lamaze breathing technique. Doing the Lamaze breathing is not the most important thing. It doesn't matter how you breathe, as long as you do it! Relax your body and keep breathing, that is what will get that baby out. The Lamaze breathing technique can help to focus on the breathing, which can be a good way to get through the contractions.
All that is left for R. now is the breastfeeding class, and then she will be ready to meet her baby!
Giving birth naturally is a realistic option for most women. You need to realize that giving birth, being in labor, is very hard work. But it can be done. Being mentally prepared for the tough job is half of what you need, the other half is relaxation. Being relaxed is key to having a successful drug-free birth. If you know how to relax your body, I mean really relax your body, you will be able to ride the contractions like a wave.
When you tense up, your contractions will feel more painful. And the more painful it is, the more tense you will be and before you know it, you're going around in a downward spiral. So, you need to train yourself to relax the different body parts. It is something you need to practice during your pregnancy, so that your body will know what to do when the time is there.
We did some relaxation exercises, and I noticed that R. knows how to relax her body really well. That is going to work to her advantage during labor! It makes my job a whole lot easier, because it's extremely difficult to teach someone how to relax, especially during the birth.
I also taught her some good positions and movements for labor, as well as the Lamaze breathing technique. Doing the Lamaze breathing is not the most important thing. It doesn't matter how you breathe, as long as you do it! Relax your body and keep breathing, that is what will get that baby out. The Lamaze breathing technique can help to focus on the breathing, which can be a good way to get through the contractions.
All that is left for R. now is the breastfeeding class, and then she will be ready to meet her baby!
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Labels: birth, birth coach, childbirth, contractions, doula, epidural, natural birth, pregnancy, prenatal, relaxation, women
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