Comfort Measures

• Positioning

  • DOCTOR's ORDER REQUIRED
  • Can accelerate labor and correct malposition
  • Upright positions are associated with less painful labor
• Water

  • DOCTOR'S ORDER REQUIRED
  • Aids in relaxation and pain relief
  • In first stage of labor
  • Cautious of water temperature
• Massage and touch

  • NO ORDER REQUIRED
  • Promote relaxation
  • Counter pressure or hip squeeze during contractions
• Acupuncture and acupressure

  • DOCTOR'S ORDER FOR ACUPUNCTURE ONLY
  • Specific points to relieve pain
• Hypnosis

  • Self hypnosis most commonly used in labor
  • Contraindicated in a woman with a history of psychosis
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

  • DOCTOR'S ORDER REQUIRED
  • Low voltage electrical impulses are transmitted to the skin through electrodes placed on the skin
• Hot and/or cold

  • DOCTOR'S ORDER REQUIRED
  • Easy to use, inexpensive and minimal side effects
  • Care against skin damage
• Music and audioanalgesia

  • NO ORDER REQUIRED
  • Increase pain tolerance, improve mood and aide in rhythmic breathing
• Aromatherapy

  • NO ORDER REQUIRED
  • Used by midwives
  • Used to reduce fear, nausea, headache and pain
  • Lemon grass, lavender, rose and frankincense used
• Support for back labor:

  • Most common cause: baby in posterior position
  • One contraction at a time
  • Take a shower
  • Change positions: hand & knees, one foot up on chair & lean and remain upright
  • Pelvic rock
  • *Counter pressure (counter sacral massage) on the back*
  • Double hip squeeze