10 Labour Essentials That You Already Have At Home
Combs
You don’t have to spend loads on fancy combs on the market - anything sturdy enough to squeeze will do!
Squeezing a comb in each hand during surges is a great distraction tool as it redirects your focus, and it also activates the Lao Gong accupressure points in your hands which relieves tension and stress.
Cold Face Cloths
If you’re birthing at home, wet some face cloths, put them in a Tupperware and keep in the fridge for instant cooling and relief when you’re feeling hot during labour.
If you’re birthing at hospital, keep them in the freezer and don’t forget to take them with you!
If they’re frozen solid when you need them a few drops of warm water will soften them up.
A Long Scarf
If you’re birthing in hospital use a scarf to chuck over any bright or lit up machines to keep the environment dark and calm. Nobody needs to see bright lights in labour!
Your doula or birth partner can also use a scarf as a rebozo to relieve pain and tension in your body.
Google “sifting the apples”!
Sunglasses or a Sleep Mask
Shutting out bright lights is essential for your body to release oxytocin and melatonin. If you’re journeying outside your house or you’re in a brightly lit place, staying in your own
dark private world with sunglasses or a sleep mask is ideal!
For extra privacy, put in a pair of headphones or some ear plugs.
A Party or Wedding Playlist
Feel-good tunes that remind you of summer bbqs with mates or your wedding day dance floor are amazing for boosting oxytocin and getting you moving and dancing through your surges!
Being upright and active is so beneficial in labour, and your favourite tunes will inspire you to move and sway your baby down!
Your Breath
The breath is such a powerful tool for birth.
It calms you down
It dials down adrenaline
It gives you something to focus on
And it does an amazing job of getting loads of oxygenated blood to your hardworking uterus.
Never forget the power of the mighty breath!
Pics of Loved Ones
Labour can take a while and if you’re needing a little love boost and some reassurance bring some pics of your loved ones to look at and imagine the encouraging things they would say to you.
A Baby Item
A little baby vest or cuddly toy in your birth space will help remind you exactly what’s coming at the end of labour - your precious baby.
A Vibrator
Getting that oxytocin flowing is so important during labour and having an orgasm releases loads and can help you feel less tense. So pack your vibrator in case you’re in the mood!
Your Intuition
Last but not least - your intuition goes wherever you do. Intuition is heightened in pregnancy and birth for a reason - it can tell you most of what you need to know.
Don’t ignore your gut feelings 🖤