While your body is completely equipped for birth without interventions it helps to have aids during labor. Here are the best natural birthing tools to help you cope with labor when the time comes.
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Essential Oils
I love and have used essential oils throughout my pregnancy and labor. My first two births were hospital births and I didn’t know about essential oils. I wish I did because it would have been an easy way to make my hospital births a little better. Be aware that some oils are not considered safe to use while pregnant. These are the ones you will use during labor to help labor start and progress. I stick to very safe oils like lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, and lemon. These can help with mood, energy levels, and even nausea. For labor Clary Sage and Geranium are known to help with uterine contractions.
Water as a Birthing Tool
Whether you want a water birth or not do not discount the power of water to help you relax during labor. I personally love water births but even if you do not want that you can always ask to be moved before the pushing phase of labor. If you do not have a birthing tub available you can take a warm shower to ease and comfort you during active labor.
If you think you do not have enough space for a birthing tub ask your midwife. I was surprised we made our fit into our small master bedroom. A birthing tub tends to be taller than wide and there are different kinds.
Hydrate
Speaking of water, staying hydrated during labor is extremely important. Think of labor as a marathon, your body is working very hard and it needs water to stay hydrated. I recommend having not just water but maybe a mix of coconut water or lemon-infused water. Bonus pro tip, have a soft straw like a silicone one, that way whoever is helping you can have you sip when needed.
Snacks
Nobody knows exactly how long they’ll be in labor, especially the first time. I remember not eating for over twenty-four hours at the hospital during my first birth. When it came time to push I had no strength, it was really hard. I actually do not like to eat while in labor. However, I make sure I have at least a snack like a banana, honey sticks, or even a fruit popsicle. Your body needs energy this is no time to look down on those carbs ladies.
One of the Best Birthing Tools Combs
A very effective technique to manage your pain naturally is to send it elsewhere. During my first birth, I had my husband and mom squeeze my arms and legs as hard as they could every time I had a contraction. This helped distract me from the pain I was feeling in my back and abdomen. I have learned better ways to cope with the pain of childbirth but if this was my first birth I would want all the tools available to me. That is where combs come in you can just use combs you already have and hold them in your hands and squeeze them when you get a contraction. Alternatively, I do believe they sell birthing combs that are sturdier so you do not ruin yours.
Exercise Ball
An exercise ball is great for labor and throughout pregnancy, it made it on both lists. Check Out my Tools for a Natural Pregnancy Post here to see what else I like to use. The ball is great if you need to move to feel comfortable but walking triggers intense contractions. The best things are to bounce or do hip circles while sitting on the ball. This also helps your baby get into a good position for birth. Leaning on the ball is also great. I used the ball a lot during my third birth are my baby was not in optimal position when labor started.
The Best Natural Birthing Tools Mentioned
- Essential Oils Clary Sage and Geranium oils are labor-specific.
- Essential Oils Lavender, Peppermint, Lemon, and Eucalyptus these oils are great to have just all the time.
- Birthing Pool This is the pool I used, it was very comfortable and it was handled which came in handy.
- Honey Sticks I love these because they are easy to eat when you need a little pick me up.
- Silicone Straw The silicone straws work best because they a bendy, so they are easier to use while in labor.
- Exercise Ball The ball is also great for early labor when you need to get some of that excitement and energy out.
- Coconut Water I prefer something that has no added sugar.
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