Many a time we have noticed that the “energy of labor” stops flowing or is just not there when mothers go into labor. This situation manifests itself when mothers appear to become less involved in the process of labor. An otherwise normal, active labor stage then goes on and on, wearing down mother, her partner, and her care giver (midwife, doula etc). What are the reasons for this behavior?
For most mothers, this behavior is simply born out of normal fear of pain that accompanies labor. With encouragement and support from her husband, midwife and care givers most mothers are able to overcome this fear and to participate fully in the birth of her baby. However, we have seen some mothers grapple with emotional issues that get magnified due to intense hormonal changes during labor. There are varied reasons for this emotional fear – Will she be able to bear the pain, fear of challenges of motherhood, her relationship with her partner / relatives post childbirth, fear of changes in her body as a result of childbirth, loss of independence, and many others. Some mothers have fear of the possibility of passing stool because of rectal pressure during the last phase of labor. Past incidents of sexual abuse or other types of abuses also inhibit the progress of labor. Most mothers, especially in India tend not to articulate these fears, and so it becomes a challenge for her care givers and partner to draw her out and to provide the assurance and comfort that she needs.
How do we help mothers overcome her fears? The Midwifery Model of Care that we practice at Healthy Mother recognizes that many fears that arise during labor are real, and that it is perfectly normal to have such fears. We help her move about, which reduces her stress hormones, and ask her to practice breathing techniques, adopt comfort positions, or engage her in soothing conversation. Many a time we have found that just by talking and letting her talk about her fears helps her deal with long labors. We empathize with her, draw her out of her shell, and encourage her all the way with positive feedback on her efforts. However, though all this, we monitor her and her baby’s health.
Emotional fears can arise out of mother’s past experiences or fear of the future. Either way, they may stall the progress of labor, and lead to interventions such as c-sections. It is therefore important for mothers to open up to the energy of labor and let go of all fears. In the same vein, care givers should try and understand mother’s psychological roadblocks, her concerns, anxieties and fears and help her deal with them in a positive manner. Only then will labor progress as desired, leading to safe, healthy outcomes for mother and baby.
What has been your experience with labor? Did your emotional issues impede the progress of labor? How did you deal with your issues?