Distraction From Pain During Labour

Many women find the discomfort of labour, particularly backache, can be alleviated with massage. Counter pressure can be provided by your partner using his hands or a spinal roll, or even a tennis ball! If using the hands to massage, it is best to use a small amount of cream, talcum powder or vegetable-based massage oil to stop your skin from being dragged or rubbed sore. A hot water bottle or a hot pad placed in the small of your back can also act as a compress to soothe backache.

FOOD AND DRINK

As a first labour can last up to 15 hours, check whether the hospitals policy allows you to eat during labour - these days it usually does - so, pack a few snacks such as chocolate bars, which will give you instant energy. In fact, shortly before labour, the ability of your stomach to absorb food decreases, so you should eat only easily digested food.

Your partner will certainly need some sustenance during your labour and probably would not want to leave your side to go in search of it - especially if it is in the middle of the night, so make sure that you pack a supply of sandwiches, energy bars and fruit for him or her too.

After the birth you are both likely to be ravenous and you'll want something to eat straight away. You will also need to drink: a bottle or vacuum flask of diluted, unsweetened fruit juice or cold water is ideal for you, although your partner might prefer canned soft drinks.

PAIN-RELIEVING ITEMS

There are several pain-relieving items that can help you with pain-relief. Items like powder, tennis ball, massage oil or hot water bottle will be useful to relieve backache, a common problem in labour.

YOUR NOURISHMENT

In case your labour starts slowly or is particularly long and tiring you may need to take into the hospital a supply of food and drink to keep you going during the first stage. Your partner will also need refreshments to keep up his or her energy levels.

Checklist - thing that you should take into consideration:

- make several sandwiches for your partner, and for yourself afterwards.

- sweets can be sucked slowly and provide glucose.

- drink diluted fruit juices or cooled water. Fizzy drinks are best.

- chocolate bars are excellent for providing instant energy - fresh fruit is refreshing, portable and a good source of energy.