A-Z of an easier labour
A IS FOR… ACTIVE LABOUR
“Having the freedom to move spontaneously and not just lying in bed helps to make labour shorter and easier,” says Janet Balaskas, founder of the Active Birth Centre, UK. This is all well and good in the early stages, but how can you remain active during the throes of labour or if attached to a drip? “Using a pillow or bean bag to lean on, as opposed to lying on your back is enough,” says Janet. “Or prop yourself up on your left side to help oxygenate your baby.”
B IS FOR… B.R.E.A.T.H.E.
It sounds obvious, but controlling your breathing could be the single most important thing you do to make labour easier. “Take slow, rhythmic breaths, all the way down to your abdomen,” says Maggie Howell, UK-based natal hypnotherapist. “This increases the production of the birth hormone oxytocin, which gets rid of toxins, giving you more energy and providing your baby with much-needed oxygen.” Simple!
C IS FOR… COMFORT
No matter where you choose to give birth,
