Ten Cardinal Rules for the Laboring Woman
1. Prepare yourself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually long before delivery.
2. Rest every day so that you do not go into labor when you are tired. Remember that most women go into labor at night in their sleep.
3. Call your Midwife and keep her informed of your progress.
4. Find your own body rhythm and fit breathing techniques into it. Use the technique that works.
5. A woman may eat light food or drink juices if desired during labor.
6. Expend the least amount of energy possible to get you through each contraction.
7. In early labor, continue activity(like walking, talking, cooking) as long as possible unless tired, then rest. If labor starts at night, do your relaxation breathing to calm yourself and try to get some sleep.
8. Do not push when the baby's head is crowning. Relax perineum. Panting baby out will help avoid lacerations.
9. Keep labor room calm and quite. Relax.
10. Stay in present time. Confront each contraction and handle it.
