Relaxation Techniques During Labor

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Relaxation Techniques

During LaborBy: Edderlyn D. Lamarca

Saint John Colleges


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Purpose of Relaxation

Techniques


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Relaxation is not just a passive activity,

but an active, conscious release of tension.Doing physical relaxation techniques

which release the voluntary muscles helps

to reduce physical tension, reducing pain.

It also can lead to a feeling of emotional

well-being and security; this in turnreduces anxiety, which reduces our

sensitivity to pain.


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When to Use

Relaxation Techniques


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During early labor, it is easy to remain

relaxed. This is a good time to beginconsciously working on relaxation to help

develop a good pattern that will stay with

you as labor becomes more intense.Partners can help you to identify tension

early on so you can release it rather than

holding it and building on it. The

techniques can be used throughout labor.


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Lamaze Childbirth

Method


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Lamaze method is a prepared labor

and delivery technique. It is oftencalled psychoprophylactic method as

it uses the mind (psyche) to prevent

labor pains (prophylaxis).


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The Lamaze method of prepared childbirth is

based on the gating control theory of pain

relief. It involves concentration and

conditioning to help the woman respond to

contractions with relaxation from techniques

thereby alleviating pain. This is based on the

theory that through stimulus-response

conditioning, women can learn to use

controlled breathing to reduce the pain in the

labor. Lamaze method is the most popular

approach used to today.


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Techniques and

Methods


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Cutaneous stimulation

(Touch Relaxation)


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1. Effleurage

slow massage of the abdomen duringcontractions. The massage is done with justenough pressure to avoid tickling. The

woman can perform effleurage using herfingertips and tracing a pattern on herabdomen. Massage and pressure on thepalms and fingertips stimulate the large

diameter nerves to decrease the ability ofthe small nerve fibers at the site of pain totransmit impulses.


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2. Sacral Pressure

firm pressure against the sacral area

may help relieve strain on the

sacroiliac joint. The partner (husband)can increase the pressure on the

sacrum as soon as the contraction

begins.


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3. Thermal stimulation

application of heat and cold stimulates

the thermoreceptors thereby decreasing

pain felt by the woman. This is done bywiping the womans face with cool cloths

and ice chips offered to the woman for

eating. In early labor a warm shower

directed against the back may be

soothing


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4. Positioning

position changes during labor also

provides cutaneous stimulation.

Ambulation and fowlers positionmakes contractions less painful.

Changing position can be done every

30-60 minutes to increase comfort.


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Distraction

An impulse cannot register in the brain if

it is distracted


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1. Focal point2. Imagery

3. Music4. Breathing techniques


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Reduction of anxiety`

Can be achieved by:

Giving the woman idea of what to expect

during labor

Presence of a support person (husband)


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Documents

Relaxation Techniques During Labor