Tips to manage a stalled labour

› DON’T GO IN TOO SOON Make sure you are in active labour before you move to a hospital or birth centre. Moving to the hospital too soon can make even an averagelength labour seem long and slow, because most women find the hospital to be boring in early labour. Your caregiver or childbirth instructor can help you decide when would be a good time to go to the hospital.

› CONTINUOUS SUPPORT Of all the factors that have been studied as ways to shorten the length of labour, the only one that works by itself is to have continuous support, such as the care given by a doula. In studies, moving around, such as walking, during labour was as effective at shortening labour as most medical treatments.

› STAY POSITIVE Outlook affects outcome. You need to be reassured, praised and encouraged every step of the way. If necessary, get extra support to help you stay positive. › DON’T GET HUNG UP ON TIME

The endorphins circulating in your body during labour help you to “tune out” of your environment and the time and physical limitations around you and to “tune in” to your body. If you watch the clock, even a normal labour seems long.

› NATURAL STIMULATION Try some natural stimulation techniques such as nipple stimulation, walking or acupressure points (taught in some antenatal lasses).

› HORMONE LEVELS Remind yourself that there are reasons labour may take time. Your body may need time to get hormone levels right.

› DO YOU FEEL SAFE? Change the environment to help prevent the feartension-pain cycle.

› ARE YOU HUNGRY? Have something to eat, and be sure you are drinking enough water.

› TUB OR A SHOWER Spend some time in the tub or a shower. Water is an excellent form of pain relief.