Tools for Labour

Birth ball / Peanut Ball

Sit on it, do your hip circles, bounce, rock back and forth – just get all the movements going. Rest over on all 4’s, rocking back and forth or side to side as you feel comfortable.
This is a great tool to support you to FLOP during your surges. Most hospitals will have these available, but it is worth checking as some may have limited supply.

TENS Machine

A great tool to use – buy or hire one to use right from the start of your labour to provide great support and comfort. A TENS works by sending electrical impulses to the brain that block pain receptors, releasing endorphins, helping you feel in control of your labour and pain relief and providing a welcome distraction from your surges.

Immerse In Birth is a local family business, a beautiful student midwife that hire birth products, such as TENS.

Birth Comb

Hold a comb in your hand and press the teeth of a comb gently into the palm of your hands where your finger would meet your palm if you make a fist. This activates acupressure points and also sends signals of the sensations created to your brain – leaving less receptors available to pick up the sensations coming from your surges – similarly to a TENS.

Water Bottle

I don’t think this needs much description, but staying hydrated during labour is very important. Drink lots and pee lots. Emptying your bladder regularly is also important.
Also, straw or spout topped bottles are great to use in all different positions without spilling water…
Powerade or similar hydration drinks can also be useful with the electrolytes they offer. Consider a sugar free version (especially if gestational diabetes).

Massage ball/tool

Light touch massage is amazing as I am sure you all know, but sometimes you want something a little different or a little more pressure. Birth partners hands can get tired, so a spiky ball or a vibrating massage tool can be super helpful too. A spiky ball can be great for aches and pains anytime too.
Press it up against a solid wall/door (not your average plasterboard or you’ll dent it!) and press against any sore spots in your back/body applying pressure as feels comfortable for about a minute and then roll it to another spot.

Scarf/Rebozo

Use a scarf or rebozo to do some abdominal sifting or ‘shake the apples’ to help baby’s positioning and provide comfort for mum.

Heat Pack

This can be great on the lower back especially, providing comfort and also activating some acupressure points. Just make sure it’s not too hot!

Essential Oils

Clarry sage to encourage labour.
Relaxing, comforting scents, such as lavender to provide a calming and relaxing environment.
Bonus, if you use them during your relaxation practice your body will already associate the smell with relaxation and releasing endorphins.

 Affirmation Cards

Hang them from some fairy lights, blutac them to the wall, have your birth partner hold them and read them to you, set them on a little stand. Whatever you want to do.
            Have affirmations visible to read during and between your surges to give you strength, reminders to relax, trust your body and baby and keep you in a positive mindset for birth.

Pillow

            Because your own pillow is 100x better than a plastic one if you are birthing in a hospital.

Speaker

Have a portable speaker, or even your phone, to play your relaxation tracks, affirmations, or music on.
Block out other sounds and distractions around you and focus on your body and your baby.