Labor Coaching and Support

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Labor Coaching and Support

• LT Randy S. Heninger
• High Risk Labor and Delivery RN
• Childbirth Educator
• 860-0338

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Labor Coaching and Support

• Studies have shown that women supported by a
  doula or labor coach during labor have
• 60 reduction in epidural requests
• 50 reduction in the cesarean rate
• 40 reduction in forceps delivery
• 40 reduction in oxytocin use
• 30 reduction in analgesia use
• 25 shorter labor

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Labor Coaching and Support

• Two questions to ask your self
• How can I help her?
• What would I want if I were her?

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Labor Coaching and Support

• Birth Environment
• Low lights
• Music
• Minimal Visitors
• No Cell Phones
• No Pagers
• Wickless candles
• Pillows

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Labor SupportA Comfort Guide
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10 Minute Break
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Massage Techniques

• LT Kris HodappPhysical Therapist

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Labor Coaching and Support

• Massage for Labor
• Releases endorphins
• Key to relaxation
• Key points
• Fingers together
• Movements rhythmic and smooth
• Used for head, neck,thighs lower back
• Repeat until effectiveness is lost
• keep hands warm

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Labor Coaching and Support

• Massage Techniques
• Effleurage
• fluid motion
• Fanning
• Window wiper motion used on hands and feet
• Kneading
• Can be used on all areas of the body

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10 Minute Break
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Labor Coaching and Support

• Cognitive Techniques
• Visualization
• Affirmation
• Focusing on the breath
• Structured breathing patterns
• Non-focused awareness (paying attention to
  everything you see, hear, feel, smell without
  focusing on any)
• Prayer

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Labor Coaching and Support

• Back Pain in Labor
• Get off back
• Shower
• Ice pack
• Cold beverage can
• Clothespin technique
• Counter pressure

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Labor Coaching and Support

• Positions for Back Pain
• Hands and knees
• Leaning on back of bed
• Side lying
• Sitting on birth ball
• Hands and knees suing birth ball
• Leaning on birth ball

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Labor Coaching and Support

• Using a fan can be very soothing during labor.
• Body temperature increases with pain.
• Desk fans are great and no energy to use.
• Hand fan can provide focused effort.
• Labor is hard work!

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Labor Coaching and Support

• Ice is usually moms only means of oral intake
  during labor.
• You will be shown were to gain ice for your
  laboring mom by the nursing staff.

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Labor Coaching and Support

• Cold Cloths for foreheads can make the difference
  between a natural labor and needing an epidural!
• These are great for lower backs as well

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Labor Coaching and Support

• Ice Packs can be used on the lower back.
• They can be ready made chemical packs for the
  hospital, gloves with ice or freezer packs for
  sports injuries.

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10 Minute Break
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Positioning for Labor and Birth

• Hill-Rom

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Labor Coaching and Support

• Positions
• Standing with support
• massage lower back
• Slow dancing
• Sitting with support
• Rocking with support
• Leaning on back of bed
• Hands and Knees
• Side lying
• Semi-sitting
• Squatting
• Toilet

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Labor Coaching and Support

• Birth ball
• Sitting on birth ball
• Hands and knees
• Leaning on birth ball
• Pelvic tilts

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Labor Coaching and Support

• Position Changes
• Walking!

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Labor Coaching and Support

• During the pushing phase you have a very
  important role!
• Closed glottis vs. open glottis
• Counting vs. Mother paced
• Maintaining count
• Leg stabilization
• Helping to change positions
• Keep mother focused during difficult times
• Filtering visitors during this time

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Labor Coaching and Support

• Positions for pushing
• Dorsal lithotomy
• Side lying
• Sitting
• Squatting
• Pulling

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Labor Coaching and Support
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Labor Coaching and Support

• Reference
• Labor and Support A Comfort Guide
• www.childbirthprofessional.com