Support During Labour

It has been found that women who feel supported during labour are more satisfied with their birth experience. The nurses in the Birthing Centre provide therapeutic support in labour and birth to each woman/family. The nurse who is assigned to you will work with you and your support person to offer comfort measures and pain management that will help during labour and birth.

It is important that the people you choose to stay with you during your labour make you feel safe, confident, comfortable and supported. Your support person can help by:

• Rubbing your neck
• Timing contractions
• Getting you ice chips
• Coaching your breathing

You may choose your partner, friend, family member or doula.

Comfort Measures during labour

There are many options to try during early labour to find comfort and relaxation:

• Getting a back rub
• Practicing relaxation
• Changing sitting/laying position
• Listening to music
• Taking a shower or bath
• Walking

At the hospital, try things like:

• Special breathing
• Walking
• Shower or whirlpool tub (available in the Birthing Centre)
• Emptying your bladder every hour
• Medication
• Massage
• Nitrous oxide
• Epidural
• Birthing ball

Your partner and nurse can help you find what works best to make you as comfortable as possible. You will learn more about comfort measures at Mother Baby Wellness.