We all know how difficult it can be to really focus & find that mental “sweet spot” during labor, especially in a hospital birth with the beeping machines, bright lights, and check-ins from staff.  Here’s just a few things our own clients have found useful to get in the zone during those active stages of labor.

1. One contraction at a time.

Nothing can make you lose focus more than fearing what’s to come.  Take a deep breath and stay focused on the contraction you’re having at that very moment.  Be reassured that when that surge is done, you’ll have a break before the next one arrives.  This is a reminder many laboring women find comfort in and often helps to make managing each contraction a bit easier.

2. Communicate.

Take the time prenatally and upon arriving to the hospital to educate your care and support team about what your goals are for your birth experience.  Having a short, written birth plan can help with this.  Having to explain and re-explain yourself during labor can easily make you feel distracted, frustrated, and lose focus.  And when you are in labor, don’t be afraid to immediately communicate what you need in that moment to your partner or doula so they can tend to it immediately.

3.  Follow your intuition.

What is your body telling you to do? Lay down? Shower? Need a cold ice pack? Feeling thirsty?  Stay in touch with what your body is telling you to do and react accordingly.  Fighting that urge can be a huge distraction and cause more frustration than needed.

4. Bring familiarity.

Many laboring women find comfort in the things they’re familiar with (this is why laboring at home tends to feel most comfortable!).  If you’re off to the hospital, bring some things that will make your room feel like home: blankets, pillows, essential oils, electric candles, your favorite music.  Feeling comfortable will aid in helping you to focus on the labor rather than thinking about how foreign and cold your environment feels.

5. Hire a doula.

One of the great things about a doula is that they can anticipate your needs so well. A professional birth doula is familiar with labor and how women tend to react during that time.  This keeps their mind full of tips & tricks to help you focus, stay as comfortable as possible, and to take the pressure off your partner to know exactly what your needs might be.  They can help set the environment, get you cozy, and give you those gentle reminders to take it one contraction at a time.

Let us know…

What was helpful in keeping you focused during your labor?