So many of my clients go into labor, or begin having contractions in the middle of the night. If this is your first baby, you are probably feeling very excited that the time is finally here! If this is your second or third baby, you are probably feeling very excited that this is finally here! 🙂 There is so much excitement around the beginning of labor, and sometimes women will unintentionally sabotage their labor from the start!

The early stage of labor and early active labor can last a long time. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology now states that women should be allowed any amount of time to dilate 6cm. What this means for you is recognizing that labor takes time, especially for first babies. If you can forget you’re in labor–do it! Sometimes women will experience labor that stops after a few hours, so be prepared if labor all of sudden stops or slows down, and doesn’t return for a few days! Don’t use up all of your energy during early labor!

Here are some tips for laboring effectively when everyone else is sleeping*:

  1. Spend some time alone with your baby and consider letting your partner rest a bit. Maybe take a few minutes alone to talk to your baby and have a few minutes together before the end of this pregnancy. You might consider writing this baby a letter or updating his or her baby book from pregnancy highlights. It might sound silly, but remembering the reason you’re about to go through labor can be very beneficial! Good hormones help both of you!
  2. Rest, rest, rest. This is probably not the time to go for a long walk or try all of those active labor techniques you may have learned! It is still good to change positions, but try to use restful positioning like side-lying, leaning over the ball, or resting with your partner in bed.
  3. If you cannot sleep through contractions, try to doze off in between. If that doesn’t work, try a warm bath or shower or a massage (back, feet, hands–anywhere you may be having tension).
  4. Try to be distracted as much as possible. You can try watching a TV Show (think binge watching a Netflix series!), a movie, or listening to something peaceful.
  5. Consider waiting to tell friends, family, and Facebook that you are in labor. Sometimes knowing that other people are “waiting” on your news can make labor seem longer and more stressful. Partners often spend labor time updating people when it’s important that they are focusing on you and the baby too.
  6. Do not be afraid. Remember that your body was made to birth this baby. One of my favorite sayings is, “The power and intensity of your contractions cannot be stronger than you, because they are you.” (unknown)

*Note: If you have a history of fast labors, or you feel like it is time to be at your place of birth, always follow your instincts. These tips are meant for early labor and/or laboring at home. Please go to the place of birth when you think you should go! Don’t rely on anyone else to tell you. 🙂