My Best Labor Trick (That You Haven't Heard Of)

My Best Labor Trick

(That You Haven’t Already Heard Of)

There are a lot of tips and tricks out there that claim to help to lessen a woman's discomfort while in the birth process. If we're being honest, most of them are probably placebos (I'm TOTALLY cool with placebos if it helps though!).

Most of the time, implementing comfort tools results in the birther feeling more in control because they are actively "doing something" to provide relief. In my experience, it's a really good way of distracting the birther so they aren't hyper-focused on sensations coming and going - and this is, what I believe, what part of the success of those tricks.

With that being said, I do have one tried, tested and true birthy comfort tool that you probably haven’t heard about and that I absolutely swear by. I acknowledge that there’s a little bit of prep that goes into this but the result is magical and totally worth it. You’re going to need four, pretty common, household items.

Your Supplies

1) Face cloths. Quite a few (at least a dozen). They don’t need to be luxurious quality by any means. I use ones from the dollar store and they’re still holding up well 4 years later. I like to have about 20 on hand to be safe.

2) A crock pot. Pre-2018 and the rise of the Instant Pot and air fryer, the crock pot was everyone’s favourite kitchen gadget. But you’ve probably never used any of those gadgets like this!

3) Lavender essential oil. I know what you’re thinking. You’ve stumbled on this really awesome doula blog (thanks, by the way) that you LOVE because she seems just like you and now here she goes down the essential oil rabbit hole. Just breathe for a moment before you hastily hit the close button. I’ve used this technique myself and, you guys… it really works. So, please join me in welcoming Lavender Essential Oil to our birth teams. Just like you chose the best quality of people for your birth team, chose a good quality essential oil. You deserve the best.

4) Kitchen tongs. Self explanatory.

Execution

When you start the birth process, start boiling some water. Either one large pot or several medium sized pots. Once that water has boiled, transfer it to your crock pot. Fill up the crock pot with regular hot tap water (this will bring the temperature down so it’s not scalding).

Add your face cloths. All of them. Don’t cut corners. There’s no point saving ‘em. Go ahead. Put them all in there.

Add roughly 20 drops of your lavender essential oil (start with less and if you need more, add it).

Put the lid on the crock pot and set to either low or hot depending on whether your crock pot runs warm or not. Check it (or have someone on your birth team) intermittently to ensure it’s hot enough. Add more boiling water or turn up the temperature setting if it isn’t hot enough.

What To Do With It

When your water is hot and the lavender and face cloths infused, remove one face cloth (with tongs to avoid anyone sticking their hand into a crock pot of hot water - this is a great job for your partner!). Wring out excess water from the face cloth and place it where you’re feeling your sensations (whether it’s in the front of your abdomen or in your back or your thighs… wherever! for the duration of the sensation. Remove at the end of the sensation and place face clothback in the crock pot to reheat. Repeat the process however many times necessary, cycling through all of the face cloths so that you’re getting a hot one each time.

When To Use

Don’t use this one right off the start line. It’s one of those things that would fall under the “save the best for last” category. If you’re at the point where you’re questioning your ability to cope, it’s time.

Why It Works

Lavender is known to promote relaxation and pain relief. Relaxation is key (physically and mentally) as it helps a woman settle into birth, allowing sensations to come and go without tensing up - which can hinder progress. The heat from hot water can help your body release endorphins (your natural pain killer, what what).

And there you have it! I’ve been waiting a long time to share this little trick of mine. I hope you find the same relief with it that I - and dozens of my clients - have. Happy birthing, boss!