Using Massage During Labor
Tips to Help a Laboring Woman During Childbirth and Delivery
There are some basic guidelines to keep in mind when using massage and loving touch to help a laboring woman. A mother in labor goes through many physical and emotional changes in a short period of time so continued support from a caring birth partner can make a huge difference in her childbirth experience.
Always Ask Permission Before Touching a Woman in Labor
This is very important for birth partners to remember because when a woman is in the middle of a contraction it can be very disturbing to her if she is disrupted. Wait quietly until the contraction is over and say "Would you like me to rub your belly or massage your hands?" She will let you know where she most needs a massage at the moment.
Don't Rush Your Massage Strokes
Use gentle, smooth strokes to avoid irritating her. A laboring woman will often find that rushed and choppy strokes are annoying to her. Think about keeping firm pressure and working in long, even lines across her back, belly, hand, foot or leg.
Use Oil or Lotion if Needed
There is nothing more annoying than having your skin rubbed off by rough hands or "burned" from excess friction. Use a good quality massage oil or massage lotion as a lubricant to avoid hurting her skin, or irritating her emotions. Remember that a little bit of lotion goes a long way so just use enough to keep from hurting her skin, but not so much that you make her feel greasy and yucky. Using massage oil or massage lotion can be an excellent way to introduce essential oils that can help a laboring mother feel calm, centered or relaxed. It's important for the birth partner to make sure the fragrance is pleasing to the mother before using it.
Be Prepared for the Mother to Change Her Mind
A laboring woman can change her mind from contraction to contraction, especially as she enters the transition phase of labor. A birth partner should not take this personally, but rather see this as a sign that things are progressing and the mother is taking control to help herself cope with labor.
A laboring woman may want you to rub her back one second and then tell you not to touch her during the next contraction. Two contractions later she may ask you to massage her feet or legs. A birth partner should just continue to support her and remember that she is working extremely hard - a laboring woman may only use one or two words without typical politeness. "Please massage my leg" might become, "Leg!" during an intense contraction.
Practice Ahead of Time
A birth partner will often have a better idea of what coping techniques a mother find helpful by seeing what she prefers to use during her everyday stresses. When the laboring woman bumps into a chair what is helpful to her? Firm pressure? Distraction? When the mother has had a very stressful day what helps her unwind? When she gets a regular massage, what techniques and strokes does she find most enjoyable? Knowing some of these answers can help give a birth partner a general place to start, but remember the tip above. Stay flexible!
Listen to what the mother is telling you with her words and body language and remember that your continuous labor support is the most beneficial thing of all.
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