Conserving energy/encouraging activity

[MommaBear]

I have a client who has lupus. One of her main concerns is that it causes her much fatigue. we have also discussed my role at her birth, and a part of that is encouragement, and a "practicle kick in the ass", because she gets very whiney and pessimistic. She is a Naturopathic doctor and cares very well for herself and her diet, and has been managing this a long time with her partner, so the are very knowlegable. I'm just trying to be prepared. I want ther to trust and listen to her body, and a natural bonding birth is an important goal for her.

so I guess what I am looking for is ideas that are very useful to help a facilitate a labor to move along as quickly as possible since sleep is so important to her body and she needs so much of it. Normally I would encourage alot of movement and walking, but fear it may not be the most efficient use of her energy. And since she wants my encouragments when she is ready to give up I am worried I may drag it a bit far and possily bring on exhaustion quicker. Its hard for her to listen to her body when it is telling her she is tired, and has a tendency to overthink things.

Any ideas, or suggestions, or reassurance would be great, we have about amonth to go so I'm trying to organize and gather my thoughts so I'm ready.

[AngelsMum]

Just quickly, I would seriously look at the option of using a birth pool for as much as the labour as possible. It takes away the weight of gravity, allows free movement and the mum can rest.

[vagabondmom]

Is this her first baby?

Since she has a tendency to overthink, I would spend time with her talking through her fears/concerns before labor. I always tell moms that even if it seems silly or irrational, a fear is still a fear, and it can find her during labor. I really like Birthing from Within (by Pam England) and recommend it to my anxious moms. I would also encourage her to practice pain management techniques ahead of time--ask how she copes with pain on a daily basis. Meditation/yoga/breath work/massage are all things that could work well for her that will allow her to stay quiet during labor. Your positive energy during labor will probably be important--you can help set the tone that together you will work through one contraction at a time, you will not be focused on the clock--help her practice mindfulness.

I second the tub recommendation as well! Good luck!

[MommaBear]

Actually there are no pools or even tubs at out hospital, just showers. But I would like for her to labor at home as long as she can and hopefully use her tub for a while.

[DL]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MommaBear Actually there are no pools or even tubs at out hospital, just showers. But I would like for her to labor at home as long as she can and hopefully use her tub for a while.

That's too bad... It's not as good, but as an alternative, maybe you could place a birthball in the shower for her to sit on or get on her knees and lean over. At least she could still benefit from some hydrotherapy. You could take a couple garden kneeling pads for her to rest her knees on. Just make sure that the birthball does not cover the drain!

Do they have rocking chairs? She could sit in one and rest there as well as rock through some ctx's if she wants. Same goes with using a birthball beside the bed...where she can lean over on the bed or onto a partner's lap to rest. Those are the first things that popped into my mind but I'm sure there are loads of things one could do.