Scream if you wanna!

I recently heard tell from a friend who was due her baby that she was terrified of labour. When I enquired as to why – stupid question you might ask! – She proceeded to tell me that it was from watching the UK programme “One Born Every Minute”. Now, telling this to a woman who refused to listen to birthing stories – horror stories of episiotomies gone wrong or 38 hour labours – I would have the attitude of “You brought it on yourself, love”.

Out of interest and educational purposes of course, I sat down and watched an episode and was both astounded and amazed. I was also terrified beyond belief and I’ve actually gone through labour!

What amazed me though was the animalistic nature of it all. Women panting and screaming like something out of a Hollywood movie. I can’t say I was hugely reserved when having my contractions but my vocal register was not so high that most of south county Dublin could hear me.

In any case, I needn’t have worried. Apparently noises made during contractions or Vocalization, are a positive thing and can help you release pain and manage your painful contractions during active labour. By emitting low moans with your mouth open and jaw dropped to your chest, this can help to release tension and stress. The idea is that if your mouth and jaw are slack the rest of your body should start to relax. Specifically your bottom and pelvic area so this will, in turn, help baby to arrive a bit quicker!
 
Repetitive moaning, low keening or even chanting and singing are found to facilitate an easier birth. By repeating a sound it can focus and calm mum and help to control and manage each contraction. High pitched screams or shouts can heighten a stressful situation and not really help anyone. You might find your partner and most of the mid-wives leaving the room to get away from you.
 

Keep calm and don't panic

If you attend pregnancy yoga classes some instructors will encourage you to vocalize during active labour. An “Ommm” sound or even a humming sound can help you control your breathing, to focus on the wave and peak of the contraction and just generally help you to relax.

But if you are looking to have your labour be a relaxed and calm affair maybe give the episodes of “One born every minute” a miss till your 2nd pregnancy. At least then you will REALLY know what to expect.

 

 

For more information – click for link

Vocalization

Video of Vocalization – Youtube

Holistic Labour 

http://www.yogadublin.com/classes/prenatal/

 

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