Use this outline to guide your study and reading. You should know the concepts outlined. Tip: Write down or type up your understanding of everything outlined for your own records.
Objectives:
- Understand the difference between pain and suffering in labor
- List factors that increase labor pain and those that decrease pain
- Describe breathing techniques and labor tools for comfort
Study
Book – Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn 2016 edition
- Chapter 11, “Labor Pain and Options for Pain Relief”, page 202
- Chapter 12, “Comfort Techniques for Pain Relief and Labor Progress”, page 222
A. Labor Pain
- Causes of labor pain
- Gate control theory
- Neuromatrix theory
- Pain versus suffering
B. Factors affecting pain
- Physical
- Emotional
- Variations
C. Discover personal coping method
- Relaxation
- Rhythm
- Ritual
D. Meditation
- Tuning in
- Attention focusing
- Visualization
- Focus point
- Vocalization
- Affirmations
E. Labor Tools
Resource – read: Top birth tools article
- Bath
- Shower
- Birth ball
- Fan
- Music
- Massage tools
F. Eating and Drinking
Resources to read:
Article about eating restrictions
Paper: Evidence on Eating in Labor
- Benefits
- Research shows no harm
G. Relaxation Techniques
- Massage
- Tension release
- Passive relaxation
- Touch relaxation
- Slow breathing
- Light/shallow breathing
- Tailored (slow/shallow) breathing
- Patterned/variable breathing
H. Movement and Positions
Resource – read: Article on restriction of movement
- Standing
- Wallking
- Leaning
- Slow dancing/embracing
- Lunge
- Sitting upright
- Knees to chest
- Hands and knees
- Squatting
I. Techniques for Back Pain
- Counterpressure
- Double hip squeeze
- Knee press
- Rebozo
- TENS
- Sterile water block
- Shower/bath
J. Doula Support
Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn, Chapter 2, page 20
- Benefits
- Finding a doula
- Interviewing a doula
Assignment
This concludes module 6
Breathing and Relaxation
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