Rules of distraction

AbornDoula · 05-30-2006, 02:41 PM

In the last delivery I had, I found myself with a mom that I just couldn't comfort, or get to stay focused on anything other than the pain. So, at one point, when she wasn't seeming to listen to anyone, I said, "tell me the prime numbers." I was trying to do anything to get her to stop being so hysterical.
Well, it worked!!!!! She started counting the Prime Numbers. She got into the 50's before she couldn't think of any more. So each time she was starting to get hysterical, I would give her a different list of things to tell me (books of the Bible- Old and New Testament, names of the states, names of the presidents). This worked so well that one of the nurses was amazed as to how the mom stayed so focused on that.
So if you ever find yourself in that situation, give it a try. I hope it workes for all clients.
Thanks for letting me share.
Tara

fearlessbirth · 05-30-2006, 02:43 PM

Awesome idea Tara! I'm glad this worked for you...it's good to know other doulas try out these 'weird' things too and they work! Sometimes I get embarrassed and think 'what can I do? will it seem silly?' but at some point you have to do whatever it takes.

Thanks for sharing! (there are LOTS of great ideas on alldoulas today!)

DL · 05-30-2006, 02:49 PM

That is really a good idea;

for sharing! You know what they say, "Necessity is the mother of Invention"!