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    Mary M. Murry, R.N., C.N.M.

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  • Pregnancy and you blog

  • July 24, 2012

    Easy labor: Is it possible?

    By Mary M. Murry, R.N., C.N.M.

5 comments posted

I was standing in a checkout lane at the grocery store when a magazine headline caught my eye — "Labor made easy!" Right away I wanted to know more. I've been delivering babies for years, and I've never connected the words "labor" and "easy."

If there's an easier way for women to labor and deliver, I want to know what it is!

The article didn't offer any special herbs, magic spells or secret incantations, yet reading it wasn't a complete waste of time. The labor tips — although not new — were good:

  • Physical fitness counts. Labor and birth are events of Olympic proportion. You'll use just about every major muscle group during the birth process, and you might need more endurance than you've ever summoned before. Muscles that are fit and flexible can help you meet the challenge.
  • Mental fitness is important, too. Athletes often learn techniques for focus and relaxation. You need the same training for your event. Start with a thoughtful birth plan, which can help you focus on what's most important to you during the birth process. It's also important to learn — and practice — conscious relaxation techniques. Mental preparation can help you jump the hurdles that are likely to appear during labor and birth.
  • Remember that labor and birth is a team event. You're the star player, but the rest of the team — including your support person or coach and the entire medical staff — can help you concentrate on the task ahead.

You won't earn a gold medal for labor and birth, but you'll get something much better. You'll get your baby.

What are your labor tips? Please share!

5 comments posted

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  • February 7, 2013 11:09 a.m.

    This mama is about to have #3 (both #1 and 2 delivered by the delighfully witty author of many of these articles) and as the first two were not "easy", there will be no horror stories from me. Remember to breathe, rest between pushes, and stay calm...Oh, and I did have epidurals for both, and will for this one as well :-)

    - Sheryl

  • January 17, 2013 10:24 a.m.

    This is why I am a prenatal yoga instructor and doula! You mentioned so many of the benefits of yoga: strength, flexibility, focus, and relaxation that are so beneficial in birth :) Love this!

    - Jen

  • January 4, 2013 12:17 p.m.

    Samantha and Misty, you have a lot of wisdom to share. I'm glad to hear your stories. Misty, I have always thought that for women wanting an unmedicated birth, the availability of an epidural is like the carrot dangling in front of you, tempting you. Listen to your body, try to keep yourself in the moment and do what seems right to you.

    - Mary@Mayo

  • December 27, 2012 7:08 p.m.

    I agree with Samantha... wait until your body is ready. With my first I arrived at the hospital fully dialated. As soon as the nurses/dr. saw that they rushed me to a delivery room and started screaming at me to push. Quite traumatic. I thought me or my son one was in a bad shape the way they were treating me. I hemmorhaged a little (probably from them rushing) My 2nd I did an epidural because I was still traumatized by my son's birth. As I was relaxing, she slid out. I felt a gush and reached down and there she was. The nurse had stepped out, so it was just my husband and mom. My 3rd I did with no pain meds, but even after I dialated I lay there until I felt ready to push. That was maybe a couple hours after I was complete. Annoyed the doctor, but I have learned to do what id right for me. I am having my 4th baby(2nd girl) in the next couple weeks. I'm terrified of the pain of labor/delivery but equally or more terrified of an epidural. Kinda wish I'd planned a home birth for this one so it wouldn't even be an option.

    - Misty

  • July 27, 2012 1:58 p.m.

    I am waiting for our fourth to be born! My first "late" baby. I had the last 2 at home using two mid-wives. The support from the team is much better than I experienced in the hospital. Nurses were helpful when they were available. Dr. had more of an "I do this all the time and don't want to answer your questions or have you be a part of this" attitude. My hubby and I took the birthing class at the hospital and I took it very seriously. The biggest things that I learned there that helps me is FOCUS ON THE MOMENT: DON'T START THINKING ABOUT HOW YOU SHOULD HAVE DONE THE LAST CONTRACTION BETTER OR THINK OF THE NEXT ONE COMING. RATHER REST WHEN IT IS TIME TO REST (BETWEEN CONTRACTIONS) BREATH WHEN IT IS TIME TO BREATH. this does take a lot of mind focus. Usually right before I hit transition to the pushing stage I voice that I need some vocal encouragement and reminders about what I am suppose to do. Pushing is something that I have learned to wait until my body is doing it then I use that to help me. my 3rd was out in two pushes at 8 5oz with no tearing. I think waiting until body is fully ready/stretched helps with no tearing. Although there is pain I feel this makes it "easy" It is still a lot of work! :)

    - Samantha

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