Second-time parents Robert and Sarah Hyden were attracted to Allen County Hospital’s prenatal classes because they were interested in learning about massage therapy during labor.
On Wednesday, Jody Mader, a massage therapist and certified doula, talked about positions to relieve back pain during the birthing process.
A doula is professionally trained to assist a woman during childbirth through massage and relaxation techniques. Changing positions and moving around during labor and birth reduces pain, Mader said. Swaying motions and walking help the progression of labor as the shape and size of the pelvis changes and the baby moves into position for birth, she said. Moving about also helps ensure a continuous oxygen supply to the fetus, Mader said.
“I want you to remember, gravity is your best friend during delivery. Gravity can help the baby move down more quickly,” she told participants.
During early labor the mother needs to find a position that will allow her to rest.
She may lie on her side with pillows between her knees, sit on an exercise ball while being supported by her partner or sit with one foot up in an asymmetrical position.
Sarah Hyden said she had a lot of back pain during her first delivery and came to the class because she wanted to learn positions to help reduce back labor and also allow her husband to learn massage techniques to lessen any such pain.
Many women, especially those with back labor, find it relaxing to lean forward during contractions as their partner massages their lower back, Mader said. Kneeling can also relieve back pain and allows easy access for back rubs and counter-pressure massage.
MADER, a dispatcher for Allen County Communications, has been a doula for three years. The training takes two years, incorporating classes and reading. She has assisted with six births in Iola, Chanute, Emporia, Shawnee and Olathe.
Mader’s interest in becoming a doula sprang form her sister’s desire for massage when pregnant.
As a massage therapist, Mader works with a pregnant women; as a doula, she is called to assist in labor.
THE TOPIC at next Wednesday’s prenatal class will be breastfeeding. Other topics in the four-week series have been labor signs, one-on-one questions with an obstetrician and tours of labor rooms.
The classes are free to first-time parents or parents needing a refresher course in prenatal care.
DeeDee Martin is the class facilitator.
