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3 great labour aids

How water, an exercise ball and walking shoes can help you through labour

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Originally published in Today's Parent December 2011

There’s no question that having the right people supporting you makes the biggest difference in your birth experience. But, sometimes, more physical kinds of support might make getting through your contractions a bit easier. Here are three labour aids we think you should know more about.

The wonders of water

We don’t often think of water as a tool, but it can be a great help during labour. A birth pool is the ultimate water aid, whether or not you actually give birth in it. Doula Nicole Barrette of Guelph, Ont., who did have three water births herself, says: “It really can provide tremendous pain relief. Your body is supported by the water so it is easier to move into different positions, using less energy. You feel more relaxed.”

But there are many other ways water can help you during labour. If you’re planning a hospital birth, check to see what facilities (showers, Jacuzzis, etc.) your hospital offers.

• If there’s a shower you can use, stand in the shower and let the water spray on your lower back to help relieve back labour or just relax those muscles. A hand-held shower head lets you or your partner aim the spray of water where it feels the best. (For some women, the tightly stretched skin on their abdomen becomes too sensitive during labour to tolerate a shower spray, but it can be soothing on their backs or shoulders.) Your partner may want to bring a bathing suit so he or she can support you while you’re in the shower. “Many of us sing in the shower because it feels like a private, safe place and we’re relaxed,” Barrette points out.

Please keep reading for more water tips>

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