Holistic Tips to Get a Stalled Labor Moving

It’s not uncommon for folks in labor to experience a plateau, especially before moving from early labor into more active labor. If you want to get things moving there are a few holisitc things you can try before having a conversation about augmenting your labor with medication.

          *Change up the vibe of the room. If it has been bright and noisy, turn the lights down low and minimize noise. If you’ve been listening to slow music, play something more upbeat. 

          *Invite folks to leave your space. No, birth is not a spectator sport. Sometimes having too many people in the room during labor keeps the laboring person from really being able to “let go” and have labor progress. 

          *Get some nourishment. Labor takes a lot of energy. Eat something. If you are considered low-risk and have gone into labor on your own, you absoutely should be eating and staying hydrated throughout your labor. If you have restrictions on what you can eat, go crazy with the clear liquids and order a clear liquids tray. 

          *Empty your bladder. If you don’t have an epidural, go to the toilet to pee. Stay on the toilet for a couple of contractions after you’ve emptied your bladder. 

  *Get the love hormones flowing! Oxytocin, the feel-good hormone, is the driving force of contractions. Have your partner give you a shoulder and neck massage or brush your hair. Kiss and hold hands. Talk about when you got engaged or found out when you were pregnant. 

          *Change Positions! Sometimes there is a lull in contractions if your baby is trying to move into a better position. If you’ve been immobile for a while, get up at dance or take a walk. If you’ve been moving around a lot, rest for a bit. Even if you have an epidural, you can still change positions within your bed. Change positions every 15-20 minutes to help change the shape of your pelvis to help your baby descend into your pelvis. 

*Try nipple stimulation. Do this either manually with your fingers, with your partner’s help, or with a breast pump.

As always, chat with your care provider about your options to discuss risks and benefits and what might be best for your particular situation.