Physical Techniques
Tactile Focus
A variation of a massage or touch technique that might be encouraging for a laboring mother is the use of an object as a focus point. For example, the mother might choose to hold a stone in her hand to remind her that Christ is her rock and her strength. She can squeeze the stone in her hand, press it on spots of her body that could use a deeper pressure.
The ways you can use the object in labor will depend on the object you choose. There is no right or wrong object to choose, it is simply something that is meaningful to the mother and will serve as an encouragement to her in labor.
Relaxation Analogy
A common teaching in childbirth classes is that you should relax to the point that you "float" over the contractions like on water. Other teachers say you should relax so you feel as if you "melt" into the bed. I'd like to offer a different analogy for your physical relaxation: be air.
The air surrounds you. It is always there, but has some properties that make it difficult to grasp. In physical relaxation for labor, you want to mimic these properties.
Air is loose, so loose it fact that rays of light easily penetrate it. Walls, doors, flowers, even curtains are dense and therefore stop the light. But molecules of air are so lose the light goes right through it. Be loose like the air, let the light shine through you. Being reminded to let the light shine through you can encourage deeper relaxation and serve as an encouragement to stay focused on Christ.
Air is humble, so humble that is bows and moves to make room for whatever comes along. Other physical objects resist bending and moving, but air gives way easily. Be humble like air, give way for your body to move as it needs to in labor.
Air is always content. Air fills the entire space it is given, unless it is put under pressure it does not fight for more room. Air never does less than fill the entire space. Air is complete in its work of filling the space given to you. Be complete in your laboring, content to do the work you are called to do – no more and no less.
The most amazing thing about the air is its importance to life. Without breath there is no life, just as without the mother there is no baby, no labor. The air is so important, and yet it remains loose, humble and content. When you relax in labor, be air.
Related Topics:Prepare your physical body for childbirth with exercise and nutrition. The Christian Childbirth Resource Directory lists websites, books and organizations all created to help you honor God through childbirth. Read devotions written specifically for new and expectant mothers. Birthing Naturally Books publishes books to help you grow closer to God during this special time of life. Learn more about the options available to you during childbirth and how to write your Birth Plan. |
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