Labour During Lockdown Tips
TOP TIPS on how to stay at home during labour for as long as possible (only applicable to low risk pregnancies)
Pregnancy is such a big change in the life of every woman and can bring some uncertainty in terms of the way you feel (it can feel like an emotional “roller-coaster”).
Unfortunately, with the current Covid-19 outbreak, you are facing even more challenges than before and these may also come with fears.
What happens if I go into labour during the national lockdown?
If you are concerned about having to go to the hospital and willing to spend more time at home before your transfer, here are some tips and some information on what Doulas can offer.
It’s okay to hang out at home for a while, which can make things more comfortable for you.
The longer you stay at home, the less time you spend at the hospital. Remember: don’t panic!
Women’s bodies are designed to go through labour: let your body do what it was made to do.
Labour during lockdown: top tips to go to the hospital as later as possible
Some studies show that women who stayed at home for longer had a quicker labour process. So take a deep breath, be prepared and trust your process.
Dimming the lights or turning them off can help you to calm down and to focus on what your body is doing. Create your nest, have lots of cuddles. Remember the hormone of love? Oxytocin, helps you to move labour along.
This will help to smooth things out and to move labour along.
1. Calculate the distance from your home to the hospital
Seems like a very obviously data who every pregnant woman needs to know though, however it is just as easy to find ourselves so busy to have forgotten to do this tiny action able to make a very big difference.
So, as first, First, calculate the distance from your home to the hospital and estimate how long the journey will take.
2. Monitor your contraction
Download an app to monitor your contractions. This will tell you how often your contractions are and how long they are lasting.
3. Follow your baby movements
Be aware of your baby movements and the vaginal discharge (wear a pad) at all times.
4. Understand the latent phase
This phase can last for several days for some women before active labour starts.
Some women can feel backache or cramps during this phase. Some women have bouts of contractions lasting for a few hours, which then stop and start up again the next day.
If you are experiencing some of those symptoms don’t worry or stressed too much. They are very normal.
5. Ignore your contractions as much as possible in the latent phase
Ignore your contractions as much as you can, .We don’t know how long your latent phase will last.
6. Drink lots of fluids and eat healthy snacks
7. Sleep and save energy
Yes, this is possible! Lie down on your left side and pile pillows around you and in between your legs.
8. Focus on your breathing
take your mind to a safe place and do some relaxation.
9. Listen to your favourite music
Listen to your favourite music playlist or to hypnobirthing tracks.
10. Place a hot water bottle or a TENS machine on your back
Place a hot water bottle or a TENS machine on your back (they are very helpful for back pain) or ask your birth partner to rub your back.
10. Walk or Dance
Movement is pain relief, so walk around, dance, etc. Use a birth ball to bounce and rotate.
Listen to your body and when you feel it is time to go to the hospital, GO!
You may worry about being on your own, or feel unsure about the best time to leave but believe me, you will know.
Remember you can always call your maternity team and doulas for guidance on timing to go in.
This article has been written by our Holistic Practitioner and Doula, Priscilla Ferreira
Priscilla is available over the phone 24/7 to chat and support you at home too.
“We’ve created a virtual doula support but some doulas are still working and supporting you at home (due to hospital restrictions). Also, if your birth partner becomes unwell, please contact us to arrange a birth companion for you. You are not alone!” with love, Priscilla
If you wish to get in touch with her please contact us on 020 7751 4488 or book an online session here.
Priscilla Ferreira
Holistic Practitioner and Doula
