Classes
Questions about Class 104: Comfort supports in labour
Question 1 -
What is a doula? And where can I find out more information about doulas?
None
Question 2 -
Will I have to stay in bed during labour?
You will likely be asked to sit on the bed while your labour is assessed. Then if you and your baby are doing well, you will be encouraged to use movement and positions during labour. Rocking, walking, using the birth ball and the shower are better options than lying in bed. These may help you to be more comfortable and make your contractions more efficient. Many women try different combinations of these comfort measures, depending on how their labour is progressing.
Question 3 -
What if I forget how to help my partner when she's in labour?
It's not uncommon for support people to feel a little 'shell-shocked' and forget what they can do to help the mom. It's an exciting and stressful time, and it can also be very difficult to watch someone that you care for in pain. Bring a list of things your partner likes you to do when she is stressed or in pain, and your From Here Through Maternity book to the hospital. The book has suggestions for ways to help mom. Your labour nurse can also give you suggestions of ways you can help. Don't be surprised if you need to frequently change what you are doing. As different things can help as labour progresses!
Question 4 -
Will I be able to eat and drink during my labour?
We never know ahead of time how long labour will take. It could be several hours or even a day or more, so it's important to keep up your energy with fluids and light snacks. Once labour gets really active, you may not feel like eating or drinking, but try to take a few sips of water or juice between each contractions, so you stay well hydrated.
Question 5 -
Should I bring my own food and drinks to the hospital?
There are nutrition centres on the Labour and Delivery units, which have water, juice, ice and light snacks for the labouring women. It's also important that your support person keep up his or her energy, so they can bring their own refreshments or visit one of the cafeterias or coffee bars in the hospitals.
Question 6 -
Can I use candles and aromatherapy when I am labouring in the hospital?
Soft lighting and comforting scents are great to use while you are labouring at home. (Don't forget to blow out the candles before you leave for the hospital!) For safety reasons, use of candles is not permitted in the hospitals. Use of strong scent is also discouraged, due to the number of people with scent allergies. Many mothers find that their senses become more acute as labour progresses, and they no longer like strong scents or noise.
We never know ahead of time how long labour will take. It could be several hours or even a day or more, so it's important to keep up your energy with fluids and light snacks. Once labour gets really active, you may not feel like eating or drinking, but try to take a few sips of water or juice between each contractions, so you stay well hydrated.
Soft lighting and comforting scents are great to use while you are labouring at home. (Don't forget to blow out the candles before you leave for the hospital!) For safety reasons, use of candles is not permitted in the hospitals. Use of strong scent is also discouraged, due to the number of people with scent allergies. Many mothers find that their senses become more acute as labour progresses, and they no longer like strong scents or noise.
