BabyNature Birth and Labor Information with free help and advice

Natural birth information & the first signs of labor with free help & advice.

The Long Awaited Day Arrives!

Signs of Labor Stages of Labor Birthing Options Birthing Aids

Childbirth is one of the defining moments of any woman’s life and is both feared and revered as a rite of passage. This is what you have been waiting for all these months and BabyNature is right here to share your joy! Whether you have decided to give birth in a hospital, birthing clinic or at home, naturally or medically assisted, giving birth can be one of the most wonderful and fulfilling experiences of a woman's life. Many men who are present during this wonderful occasion also find it to be life changing and a time of intense and special bonding with their partners and brand new baby.

Early signs of labor

You will probably know that you have begun labor when the time comes. However, many women like to be informed before this time so that they can recognize what is happening to them and welcome the beginning of birth!

There are a number of early signs to indicate that you are in labor. Although you should be aware of these signs, remember that many women experience things differently and what may apply to you may not apply to others. This is perfectly normal. Also remember that 'false alarms' are common and many women mistake the normal activity of late pregnancy as an indication that they are going into labor. This is a time when your body is 'getting into gear' and there may be one or two 'practise runs' before the real thing! If you arrive at the hospital or birthing centre certain that you are in labor only to be sent home- don’t be embarrassed- it happens all the time!

Some of the signs of labor that you should look out for are:

Regular contractions which become more frequent, closer together and increase in intensity. While the normal contractions of late pregnancy (called 'Braxton Hicks' contractions) may often be mistaken for the onset of labor, you can be relatively certain that labor has begun if your contractions have been going for about an hour, are evenly spaced about 5 minutes apart and last for about a minute each.
A gush or constant trickle of fluid from the vagina indicating that your waters have broken.
Passing of the mucus 'plug' that keeps the uterus closed during pregnancy. This is sometimes called a 'show'.
A bloody or brownish mucus discharge accompanying the above symptoms.

Don't hesitate to call your midwife, doctor or birth assistant if you are not sure. They will be able to reassure you and want to know of any changes that occur -even if you are not yet in true labor. You are also welcome to use our free Ask Us email or telephone helpline for more personalized service.

What to expect: the stages of labor

Labor is usually divided up into three stages.

The first stage begins with the onset of contractions and involves changes in the cervix as your body prepares for the delivery. The cervix becomes thinner (effacement) and begins to dilate. The contractions will become more powerful and closer together as the first stage progresses and by the end of the first stage your cervix will be fully dilated to about 10 centimeters.

The second stage of labor involves the hard work. This is the time during which you will develop the urge to physically push with each contraction to help the baby move further down the birth canal. The end of this stage is marked by the delivery of your brand new baby!

By the third stage you are nearly there and have the most difficult part behind you already. The third stage involves delivering the placenta and is usually relatively quick.

How long will it take?

The whole process from the first contractions to delivery of the placenta takes an average of 15 hours for a first-time mother. However, remember that this is an 'average' only. It may be faster than this if you are one of the lucky ones, or it may take longer and individual variations are common. If it is not your first childbirth, you can expect to be in labor for around 8 hours.

Birthing options

As one of the most important and defining times of your life and the life of your baby, childbirth should be a wonderful, strengthening experience. There are choices you need to make regarding your preferences during labor and delivery and you and your partner should give these options serious consideration.

First you will need to decide where to give birth. You may choose to deliver at a hospital, in your own home or in a specialized birthing facility. You will also need to think about who should attend to you during labor and the choice here is usually between an obstetrician and a midwife. There are also professional birth attendants or labor coaches often called “doulas”, who can be wonderfully supportive during labor, usually as an addition to the midwife or doctor.

Would you like your partner or other family member to be present for the birth? Would you rather have your mother or mother-in-law involved only once the delivery is over? These are very personal decisions and ones that only you can make.

There are also other practical decisions to be made such as what medical intervention you are willing to undergo, such as epidural pain relief or episiotomy.

Don’t let yourself be pressured into anything you are not comfortable with. The best way to be prepared for the process is to be well-informed about your options including the risks and benefits before you go into labor. How and where you want to give birth is a decision you have probably worked through already during your pregnancy. However, if you have not yet decided, speak to as many people as possible and research all the options which are open to you. Remember that your own needs and values are the most important factor for a fulfilling and positive childbirth experience, rather than the opinions of others or even the convenience of doctors and other medical personnel!

Is labor always painful?

Many first time mothers ask this question and characteristically receive lots of vague reassurance from friends and family - along with a host of 'horror stories' about their own birthing experiences! The truth is that most labor comes with some degree of pain - but this varies from woman to woman and can range from mild to severe. Many women also report that, while they experience pain, this is different in quality from other types of pain, especially as there is such a great reward at the end of it and they know that it will last for a short time only. Perception and tolerance levels of pain also play a large part in how you experience your labor and there are many things which can be done to reduce pain and assist with a more comfortable delivery. (See our BabyNature Birthing Aids below)

What can help?

It is your choice whether you want conventional pain relief during labor. No mother to be should feel pressurized into either refusing or accepting conventional pain relief. Make sure that all your questions are answered fully and do your own research on the pro's and con's - and then make an informed choice that is right for you and your baby.

Apart from using anaesthesia or drugs for pain relief, there are a number of natural methods that may improve comfort and decrease the pain of contractions. These may be used instead of or in addition to conventional labor pain relief and should be discussed beforehand with your doctor, gynaecologist, midwife or birth attendant.

Relaxation is one of the main techniques of improving your experience of labor and birth. Relaxation methods include breathing exercises, massage, encouragement from those around you and even approaches such as hypnosis. Many women find it enormously helpful to spend time in a warm and aromatic bath during labor.

Position and movement are also important. The days of going through labor lying flat on your back in a hospital bed are mostly over! In fact, lying on your back is one of the worst positions to adopt and can even slow down labor and make it more difficult. Health care-givers are generally open to a more natural approach which allows the woman freedom to move around as much as feels comfortable for her. Alternative positions such as squatting or getting on your hands and knees may often assist the descent of the baby or help to ease pain. You must feel relaxed and comfortable enough to do what comes naturally. You may also like to walk around and this is fine as long as you don’t tire yourself out too much. Try and listen to your own body and follow your instincts in this - they will invariably be right for you!

It is important to stay well-hydrated, empty your bladder regularly and rest as much as you can between contractions. This will also allow you to save as much energy as possible during the early stages of labor, conserving your strength and stamina for the last and most strenuous stretch.

After delivery

Once your new baby is born he/she will be given to you to meet for the first time and you and your partner can savor the first few moments of this little one’s life. You may want to begin breast-feeding as early as possible and this is an excellent idea if your baby is willing. The bond that has been forming for the last few months with your unseen child will now be cemented as you and your partner hold this new little life close to you and look into your child’s face for the first time.

How can BabyNature help during labor and birth?

The following 100% natural products from BabyNature have been especially formulated for use during labor and delivery.

Eze-Birth Essence is a flower essence remedy for an enhanced childbirth experience, facilitating inner strength and stamina as well as emotional, physical and spiritual participation in the birth process.
Nature's Birth Drops contain herbal ingredients to promote a healthy and successful delivery by improving contractions and reducing labor pains.
Tranquil BirthBath is a bath product containing essential oils for the relaxation and soothing of the mother in labor.
HeavenlyLabor Massage Oil is formulated for massage during labor and will help to relax and stimulate release of endorphins. This therapeutic massage oil will relieve pain, relax tension and increase feelings of well-being, preparing the mother to bond with the baby.
Rocking Chair CD is composed for best birthing relaxation and for encouraging peace and relaxation in both mother and baby. If you have been playing this CD during your pregnancy, both you and your baby will associate it with relaxation. Being familiar, it will also help your baby to make the transition from the womb to the outside world.

Michele Carelse M.A. (Clinical Psychology) Copyright © Feelgood Health. All rights reserved. Revised: September 26, 2007 .

Michele Carelse M.A. (Clinical Psychology)
Copyright © Feelgood Health. All rights reserved.
Revised: September 26, 2007 .