Fundamentals of Relaxation Part 2

In this 8 part series , we are going to explore the fundamentals of relaxation, how each type works, the benefits and a little history.  We humans do not relax enough – we believe that sleeping or watching television is relaxation….nothing could be farther from the truth.  And it is so important to both mother and baby during pregnancy!

Touch Relaxation

Referred to as a natural relief for labor pain by the March of Dimes, touch relaxation begins with the expectant mother relaxed in a comfortable position.  The environment can include gentle relaxation music, dim lighting, and aromatherapy (such as a candle or incense if not in a hospital, or essential

oils diffusing).

The labor support person (LSP) touches or massages a certain group of muscles, helping her to focus relaxation on that particular muscle group.

Touch relaxation may be contraindicated when there are serious psychological issues, physical injury or a history of abuse.

How to do Touch Relaxation:

1. Start the Touch Relaxation time with a deep gentle breath in and slowly exhale.
2. Beginning at the top of the head, the LSP gently touches the scalp.  The mother takes a deep breath in and on the exhale, releases tension there.
3. Move to the temples, the LSP gently touches one side and then the other. The mother takes a deep breath in and on the exhale, releases tension there.
4. Next, one by one, comes the forehead, cheeks, chin and neck (both front and back). The mother takes a deep breath in and on the exhale, releases tension there.
5. On one side, the LSP touches the shoulder, then down the arm, to the forearm and the hands.  Repeat on the other side. The mother takes a deep breath in and on the exhale, releases tension at each spot.
6. Next comes the chest under the collar bone. The mother takes a deep breath in and on the exhale, releases tension there.
7. The LSP touches the upper abdomen near the solar plexus or diaphragm. The mother takes a deep breath in and on the exhale, releases tension there.
8. Then on one side, the LSP touches the hip, down the femur to the knee, down the calf to the ankle and foot.  Repeat on the other side.  The mother takes a deep breath in and on the exhale, releases tension at each spot.
9.  End the Touch Relaxation time with a deep gentle breath in and slowly exhale. 

A great reference for relaxation comes from Kathy Morelli LPC in her book BirthTouch: Shiatsu & Acupressure for the Childbearing Year.  You can get this book through Amazon in either paperback or Kindle version! Click here to learn more.

A very useful handout on Touch Relaxation is from Birthlore.com, click here.

Rhonda Taylor has a very nice handout also with scripting, click here

While this video only shows Touch Relaxation on the head, it will give you a good idea of how it works!

2013 Childbirth Education Blog Carnival ~ How Childbirth Education Helps Women!

Welcome to Day #3 of the Blog Carnival honoring 

the International Week for Respecting Childbirth.  

We are focusing this Blog Carnival on the importance of childbirth education!

How Childbirth Education Helps Women

by Kathy Morelli

Childbirth is a transformative emotional and psychological event. Women are transformed into mothers, men become fathers, marriages & partnerships are transformed into families. It is a full mind-body event, bringing in all aspects of a person's self-hood: physical, psychological and emotional. Some women are interested  in a natural birth experience, and  many others are emphatic this is not their personal path. Woman have the right to choose how they wish to manage their childbirth experience. All are valid personal choices.

From a public health perspective, childbirth education, like sex education, is an essential component to overall reproductive health. The latest Listening to Mothers (LTM III) research indicates that 30% of women surveyed indicated their provider seemed rushed during their visits. A community-based, professional childbirth education class provides an important component to public health. 

On a personal level, research shows that women want the childbirth education process to increase awareness about the physical aspects of what happens during pregnancy and birth. They want to increase awareness of how their birthing institution manages the birth process and want to learn specific coping skills for pain management and strategies to manage their emotional responses. In addition, research shows that women want help in reducing their anxiety and fear about the birth process and about becoming parents of an infant. Research indicates the socialization aspects of the shared group experience is personally helpful to many women and their partners.

However, in childbirth education, one size does not fit all. In the  LTM III survey, a portion of the participants had chronic conditions before they became pregnant. One in eleven women (9%) were diagnosed with either Type 1 or 2 diabetes, 11% were diagnosed with gestational diabetes, 8% reported taking medication for high blood pressure, and 13% reported taking medication for depression.

So, it's important to note that there is a certain portion of the population that may need more individualized care in childbirth preparation than others.  Those who have pre-existing anxiety or depression, those who are managing chronic pain, often need more individualized and personalized support.

Childbirth education touches women on multiple levels: physical, emotional and psychological. It is a good community intervention that serves people in their healthcare.   

Kathy Morelli, LPC, is a licensed marriage and family counselor in Wayne, NJ. Kathy specializes in helping women and their families with the emotions of birth, pregnancy,  postpartum and in the adjustment to parenthood. Author and blogger, she is the author of the BirthTouch® series of books on motherhood. She writes at her own blog, BirthTouch®,  is co-hosting the  Postpartum Support International's May 2013 #PSIBLOG Hop, and has served as a Guest Editor for the Lamaze Science & Sensibility blog. Visit her at birthtouch.com and kathymorelli.com  

For more information on the IWRC, click here.