09/09/2021
✨The 3 R's of Labor✨
During labor, a mom who is coping well and feels safe and supported goes through a series of coping mechanisms: relaxation, rhythm, and ritual.
🌸RELAXATION
During early labor, the mom might be able to relax during and/or between contractions. This is an important part of the labor process. Anything that you find calming can help during this time. Resting, shower, massage, music, breathing, etc.
🌸RHYTHM
Doing the same relaxation technique in the same way makes it become a rhythm. Some moms rock back and forth or sway, some like to count through their contractions, some find visualization and their thought process helpful.
🌸RITUAL
Repeating the same relaxing rhythm through each contraction makes it become a ritual. Most women do change their ritual from time to time throughout labor, but during this time the only person who should change the ritual is the mom herself. Changing it or causing disruption can throw her off since she can begin to rely on this to get through contractions.
*Photo source unknown, so if you know who's it is let me know so I can properly credit them.
