tips for labour

[redshoes]

As I am due in a couple of months and don't have time for ante-natal stuff this time around I thought I had better trawl my memory for things that helped with the pain in previous labours (I have had 3 drug-free births)...I wouls love to hear what has worked for you too though - as Tesco say, every little helps! Here's mine

1. leaning forward on eg mantelpiece whilst rotating hips
2. reciting something (anything) monotonous
3. positive affirmations - I was the original sceptic on this but repeating 'I can do this, I AM DOING it' was extremely powerful and helpful
4. Being in bath but on hands and knees with shower spray on lower back
5. massage/firm pressure from dh on lower back
6. sips of cold energy drink through straw
7. Most of all, walking about including up and down stairs

Looking forward to all your tips!

i was in labour for 35 hours! - 12 were progressed labour. walking around was good, moving side to side. I had a bath but it did nothing for me.

one bit of advice is ignore what the midwife says, if you don't feel comfortable dont do it. Mine kept telling me to lay back and breathe! i "stole" the gas and air, refused to give it back and laid straight on my back and refused to sit up a bit. she was not offended in any way - in fact she thought it was quite funny!