Hi all, As a 2nd year BMid student with very limited experience of being present at births, I wonder if I may ask for some tips on how to support women in labour. I have attended only 3 births, and have contributed to some degree by being there to hold a woman's hand or bring her ice or a cool cloth, or speak an encouraging word - very much been working on the 'less is more' basis and being a quiet support presence. I have one woman now who is planning a VBAC and has some specific requests regarding my support role, but I don't know where to start, and I don't want to go in there feeling nervous and tense! Her first birth was long and painful, ending in an emergency c-section following a 'failed' induction. She remembers essentially lying in the bed the whole time, not walking around, and having several doses of pethadine. This time she wants to stay active and upright and would rather have limited/no drugs. She says that she knows she will not want to walk once she is in labour and wants her husband and I to be strong and 'make' her. She also wants me to think about ways to encourage her, or positions that may help. I don't have any idea how to start...any pointers? Articles, texts, experience? I will do web research and look through my uni texts, but I know there will be an awful lot out there - some pointers which will help refine the search would be really appreciated.
Many thanks, Kirsten -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe.
