Do's and Don'ts

Labor - Starting Off

"Prepping" - a term you may have heard regarding shaving and enemas prior to vaginal delivery - is no longer routine practice!

Activities During Labor

Walking during labor is very healthy and may speed up your labor. Some women find different positions help ease the labor and make it more comfortable to proceed. Different activities may include squatting, rocking, and resting in bed on your side.

Your activity may be limited due to problems with your pregnancy or certain procedures being performed. Your clinician will advise you if your activity needs to be limited.

What kinds of activities might you wish to use?
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Comfort Techniques & Measures

Relaxation and breathing are very important during labor, even if you plan on having an epidural for pain control. Breathing techniques taught in childbirth classes help you to focus and relax during contractions.

Another comfort measure is massage. The person(s) you have chosen to support you during labor and delivery can massage your arms, legs, shoulders and back to help relax your muscles. Light circular massage on your abdomen may also be relaxing.

Heat and cold help relax muscles as well. Both hot packs and ice packs are available at your request.

One last measure: During labor it is important to keep your bladder empty! An empty bladder allows your babyÕs head to drop lower into your pelvis and may make your contractions feel less painful.

Food and Fluids

When you are in early labor at home you may eat "light" foods such as clear soups, pasta, breads, and crackers. As labor progresses your digestion slows down, so avoid foods such as meats, dairy products and proteins. You may have clear liquids including popsicles, Jello, tea, broth, juices (such as apple, cranberry and grape), soda, water and chipped ice. Fluids will help keep you from getting dehyrdated.

When you are in active labor, or after anesthesia, you will be asked to limit yourself to popsicles and chipped ice.

Check to see if your hospital has a place to store your favorite popsicles, juices or soda on the Labor and Delivery unit.

If you have a special diet or food allergy, be sure to make note of this on your checklist and tell your nurse on admission.
Here are my special dietary needs (be sure to tell the staff): _____________________________________________
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