What to do in Early Labor
You know the old Burger King saying “Have it your way?” That’s kind of how you should labor at home. The best way is your way. Various positions, while helpful to know, usually fall by the wayside as you find your own groove. Find a position that works, and let your body do what your body needs to do.
But, that’s putting the cart in front of the horse.
When you first think you’re in early labor: Think DDD. (Or the 3 D’s.)
Deny, Distract, Dream
Deny: Many people have heard birth stories of women who show up to the hospital well into labor and they tell the nurse “I didn’t think it was labor at first, so I just kept working” (or doing whatever it was that they were doing before they noticed contractions.) They were likely denying that they were in labor at first! Pro-Tip: Send your doula team a text before you start to ignore and deny! 😉
Distract: Have you heard the suggestions to bake cookies for the nurses (or doulas. ahem.) while in early labor? Not a baker, but enjoy watching TV? That works great, too. Keeping your mind off the contractions can help you relax, instead of focusing on them or even semi-wishing for them to get stronger/longer/closer together. Pro-Tip: keep the shows light, and the lights dark and snuggle with your partner. Encourage the flow of oxytocin!
Dreaming: If those contractions start at night, go back to bed if you can! We know this one is easier said than done. You’re pumped, excited, and anxious to meet that sweet babe. But, we promise your future active laboring self will thank you if you try to rest. Take a bath, double-check you have everything ready, then get back under those covers. It doesn’t have to be actual sleep, though that would be fantastic if you could. But, being still, closing your eyes, listening to soft music, praying, meditating, etc. will help keep your energy up later. Pro-Tip: consider utilizing a mediation app for those early hours when you need to calm your mind and your body.
There will be a time when you can no longer deny, distract, or dream as early labor approaches active labor. Depending on when you have decided to go to the hospital, you may or may not still be at home. Some suggestions for positions or activities include:
- taking a shower or bath
- laying in bed on your left side, using pillows for support, having your partner press on your lower back
- taking a slow walk outside with your partner, holding onto your partner during a contraction
- sitting on a birth ball, leaning onto your bed, resting your head on pillows
- having the partner squeeze the hips gently
- rocking back and forth on all fours
- rocking in a rocking chair
- squats holding onto the partner
- leaning over a birth ball, rolling during contractions
- heating pack on the back (be sure to use a barrier between the pack and the skin)
- ice pack on the back (be sure to use a barrier between the pack and the skin)
- gentle belly lifts done by your partner or with a sheet, like this
- massage on the lower back
This is obviously NOT an exhaustive list, but your RCD doula team can support you in remembering what to do in early labor such as trying other positions and comfort techniques. (Not using us for labor support? Did you know we also offer a comfort measures class?)
