When you are in labour, massage can be very reassuring. Being able to feel the physical presence of your partner or someone who cares can often bring additional relief to the simple knowledge that that person is present. And the calmer and more confident the touch, the calmer and more confident you will both be.
Firm massage in early labour may become uncomfortable later on. A gently resting hand may be all that is wanted and, if even that feels unbearable, sponging with cold water, fanning to keep cool or simply your partner's voice may be the most welcome form of contact.
Between contractions, which last only 1-2 minutes, you and your partner can discuss what might help you. Partners can also experiment; changing methods prevents them from overtiring their own muscles. However, they should remember that the object of massage is to soothe and comfort, not to release their own tension. Short, hesitant touches will do neither of you any good, whereas establishing a steady, smooth rhythm will be calming for you both. If you have practised massage during your pregnancy, you will both know what 'feels' best and how to communicate if labour becomes difficult at any point.
THIGH MASSAGE
Either kneel with your knees wide apart and sit back on your heels, maybe with a couple of books or pillows under your bottom for support, or sit cross-legged. Then, placing your hands on the outsides of your thighs, stroke down to the knee and back up on the insides, across to your hips and round again. As you stroke forwards, you can swing your body forwards too, combining a rocking action with the stroking movement. This is good for contractions felt in the thighs or tummy.
TUMMY MASSAGE
Using the fingertips, do a figure-of-eight movement across the body under the bump. Keep the touch light if the tummy is very painful. Good for contractions felt like period pains.
BACK MASSAGE
Apply circular pressure to the small of the back with the heel of the hand, or hold alternately a hot-water bottle and an ice pack (as used in a picnic box) against the small of the back. Both are good for contractions felt in the back.
Back-pressure massage can be hard work and you can get equally good relief using the pressure of a rolling pin. You should lean forwards, supported by cushions, over the back of a chair so that your back is straight or slightly hollowed. Your partner should be behind you, kneeling with one knee raised. He places the rolling pin on the small of your back, or wherever comfortable, and then, using his body weight, rocks back and forth so that the rolling pin rolls up and down about 7.5-10 cm (3-4in) above and below the small of the back.
You can use a rolling pin yourself to ease back ache by positioning it between the small of your back and a door frame and then bending and straightening the knees a few inches to achieve the same effect.
HAND MASSAGE
One of the simplest and easiest contacts is simply to hold, pat or stroke a hand. If you want to hold hands during labour, the important thing is for your partner to hold your hand, not the other way round. Then you can relax into the touch.
FACE MASSAGE
A small sponge dipped in cold water, wrung out and smoothed over the forehead, down the sides of the cheeks and the nose and across the chin can be comforting.
IN THE BATH
Kneeling in a deep warm bath can be soothing and your partner can set up a helpful rhythm by pouring cups of warm water over your back. Being washed with a damp flannel and dried with a towel can be welcome if labour is making you uncomfortable.
Essential oils for labor
The following recipes will help to ease uterine pain, regulate the contractions, reduce fear and anxiety and boost confidence.
- 1 drop of rose
- 1 drop of geranium
- 2 drops of lavender
OR
- 2 drops of neroli
- 2 drops of lavender
OR
- 1 drop of jasmine
- 1 drop of neroli
- 2 drops of lavender
(Remember to dilute it in 10 ml of carrier oil)