Early labor, while usually not too uncomfortable, can last for hours. Especially if it’s your first baby, it’s normal to have contractions 12-24 hours before going into really serious active labor.
There are many reasons why we may have crockpot labor rather than microwave labor. Sometimes we can recognize what is going on and sometimes we don’t. I won’t go into all the many possibilities, but many of them boil down to one of these roots:
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the baby is not in a good position (so you need to have more contractions to make any progress)
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emotional dystocia (fears, anxiety, etc. that interfere with your hormone production)
If you are at home and starting to feel really tired and uncomfortable, you may be tempted to go to the hospital early. If you are in the hospital, the staff may begin to discuss the option of turning on the Pitocin drip to get your labor on a more predictable timetable.
While that’s fine if it’s something you’re okay with, I always like to provide options and alternatives.
These are the 3 things I will try to help promote slow labor. With the caveat that you are full term, already having contractions (not trying to give birth from scratch at home) and contacting your doctor or midwife.
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The Miles Circuit
The Miles Circuit is a series of 3 laboring positions that take approximately 90 minutes to complete. If your baby is not in a good position, this may help. The first position is “knee-chest open”, where your hands and knees are on the floor, and your chest is lowered to the floor with your bottom up (like the puppy posture in yoga) for 30 minutes. The second position is 30 minutes of “exaggerated left side lying” where you relax on the bed on your left side, rolling almost onto your stomach with your right leg elevated. The third position can be chair lunges, curb walking, or going up and down stairs sideways. Read detailed directions and view photos of these positions by going to the actual Miles Circuit website.
2. Nipple Stimulation
Nipple stimulation releases oxytocin, which causes contractions. You can go into your bathroom and close the door or lie in bed and do it. You can use your hands or your breast pump. This is why I recommend bringing your breast pump to the hospital, in case you want to use it to help boost mild contractions. If you want to use your breast pump, make sure to lubricate it for comfort, and try 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off.
3. Turn off the Lights and Relax
Sometimes “taking a break” from labor is the right thing to do to increase oxytocin production. There’s only so much bouncing on a ball and walking up stairs you can do. If you are in the hospital, ask for an hour of privacy, a warm blanket, and turn off the lights. Close your eyes and imagine your body melting into the bed between contractions.
You can use any combination of these tips and give it some time. Almost always, you will see a big difference in your labor pattern.
