Re: [ozmidwifery] Labour coaching techniques

[Denise Hynd]

Dear Helen   Please do not take what I say personally it is a reflection of differences of understanding and expereince.   For when you know the woman and she you as her midwife then all of this can be so much easier, you will have talked antenatally about active birth techniques, the hormones of labour and how to turn them on etc .   Then she will understand why you may not talk her through contractions, because the drivers of effective labour are midbrain in origin and require the thinking brain (cerebrum) to shut down not be stimulated by noise and other stimuli contrary to the TV versions of birth..   TV, bright lights etc in labour rooms show how hospitals do not understand this nor do they teach this or many other ways to facilitate active labour and birth compare this with the Salle du Savage women designed at Pithviers!!   (try Andrea's book Midwife Compannion, or Birth from within and similar tomes for more of this )   You need to develop a relationship of trust so she can let go !!    This is  often done more with your nonverbal than verbal communication.   Midwives need  to help each labouring woman find what she needs to let go, work with her baby to give birth.   Therefore more importantly midwives need to stop the environment impinging on the labouring woman in an emotional as well as a physical way   I feel we need to be like elephant and Dolphin midwives and protectively surround the labouring woman so she can give birth To women I do not know I say things like your body was made to carry and birth this baby but then I will alter any patter dependant on the woman's or her partner's responses. Now I have a few wrinkles I find the motherly take charge behaviour of worried support people can be accepted more easily.   Each mother and baby are individuals and the more we respond to and support them as such the more we find every labour is unique  and it si this we must respond to   talking from the bottom of our wombs as Leive says!!   Denise Hynd   "Let us support one another, not just in philosophy but in action, for the sake of freedom for all women to choose exactly how and by whom, if by anyone, our bodies will be handled."   — Linda Hes ----- Original Message ----- From: Helen and Graham To: ozmidwifery Sent: Thursday, July 14, 2005 3:18 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Labour coaching techniques Dear ozmidder midwives and doulas,   I am interested in hearing from you about your labour coaching techniques.  I am specifically interested in your words or phrases of encouragement to help a woman through contractions and provide a positive influence on the labour/birth outcome.  This mind sound funny but I sometimes feel I need inspiration as to what to say without being corny and I feel that the right words can really help in the right situation.  Of course I have my own ideas and techniques but as I am just about to return to midwifery after a break away, I would appreciate your thoughts.   Looking forward to hearing from you all.     Helen Cahill No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.323 / Virus Database: 267.8.13/47 - Release Date: 12/07/2005