Since this quarter has been SO rough, I'm going to write something useful and fun (for me). I present to you...
Katrina's Three Tips for Laboring Moms!
Tip #1 - Stay upright for as long as possible.
Gravity is your friend! When you're in the supine (on your back) position, the baby has to fight it's way down the birth canal. If you can stay up right, your hips are looser, and your body doesn't have to fight as hard. The baby's head is pushing harder on your cervix as well, which means it'll dilate faster and you will have a shorter labor. SHORTER LABOR. That's a good thing.
BONUS TIP: If you are absolutely dead set on having an epidural, ask for a walking epidural. It's a mixture of different medications that help with pain relief, but don't make you numb. Most women with a walking epidural are able to get up and walk around, helping your labor progress more quickly! And this way you can feel to be able to push when the time comes.
Tip #2 - Relax your jaw.
No, I'm not kidding. Concentrate on relaxing your jaw through contractions. Studies show this correlates with how fast your cervix dilates. And remember - faster dilation, shorter labor!
BONUS TIP: Make sure the noises you make during labor are low and rumbly. High-pitched noises tense up your body, making everything much more painful, and slowing down dilation. Growl, groan, moan, do what you must. I read a story of a lady who moo'd through her labor. She said people were trying not to laugh but it really helped her relax!
Tip #3 - Have someone there to advocate for you.
Whether it's your spouse, your mom, or your trained labor coach, have someone there for you. Someone you've discussed your birth plan with in detail. Someone who is as familiar with each procedure as you are and knows what you do and do not want. You're going to need someone to support you, physically and emotionally, through this process. They'll be the ones to remind you to relax your jaw for the millionth time. They'll be the ones to remind you to change positions, and remind your doctor you don't want this or that procedure. You're going to be in labor, for crying out loud. That's enough to concentrate on without having to argue with your doctor about cutting an episiotomy.
