Lesson 7: Relaxation Techniques
"300,000 women will be giving birth with you today.
Relax and breathe and do nothing else.
Labor is hard work, it hurts and you can do it."
introduction
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In this lesson we will primarily be focusing on hands-on practice. Find a comfortable spot, get a few pillows, and enjoy this chance to learn relaxation techniques for labor...and for life as a parent! :)
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learning goals & focus guide
Right Click to Download & Print This Focus Guide!
After viewing and completing Lesson 7 - "Relaxation Techniques", students will be able to:
- Articulate 2 specific reasons that massage can help a woman's labor to progress...Be sure to explain why physical touch can lessen pain, according to the Gate Control theory!
- Perform hand, feet, arm, head, neck, shoulder, and back massages, as demonstrated in the video.
- Simulate a "cleansing breath", giving examples of when it could be used during labor, as well as practicing slow, steady breathing patterns.
- Fill in and practice their own imagery exercise, located in the back of their purple book, as well as offer an example of when an imagery exercise could be helpful during labor.
- Recommend 3 possible birth "affirmations" that might be encouraging to a laboring woman.
- Read the benefits of meditation as a possible tool for pregnancy, labor, and postpartum relaxation.
- Articulate 2 specific reasons that massage can help a woman's labor to progress...Be sure to explain why physical touch can lessen pain, according to the Gate Control theory!
- Perform hand, feet, arm, head, neck, shoulder, and back massages, as demonstrated in the video.
- Simulate a "cleansing breath", giving examples of when it could be used during labor, as well as practicing slow, steady breathing patterns.
- Fill in and practice their own imagery exercise, located in the back of their purple book, as well as offer an example of when an imagery exercise could be helpful during labor.
- Recommend 3 possible birth "affirmations" that might be encouraging to a laboring woman.
- Read the benefits of meditation as a possible tool for pregnancy, labor, and postpartum relaxation.
video lesson
Massage Tips & Tricks
Audio Only:
Remember...
Click for a Larger Image
Relaxation Techniques (Breath, Imagery, Meditation & Positive Affirmations)
Audio Only:
resources
Partners - You have my permission to save and print this graphic for your PERSONAL use only. Enjoy!
If You'd Like to Purchase the Birth Affirmation Images Featured On Powerful Mamas, Please Visit HearthMagic on Etsy!
~ "Prepared Childbirth: The Family Way", By Debby Amis and Jeanne Green (Your Purple Book, specifically pages 24-26, 43, and 104-107)
diving deeper
Want to Dive Deeper? Let's Go!
~ Consider seeing a practitioner for myofacial release... The touch they use is extremely soft, just enough to feel a balloon move slightly when pressed, like in this photo...but the effect can be incredible! According to Google, "Myofascial release (or MFR) is a soft tissue therapy for the treatment of skeletal muscle immobility and pain. This alternative medicine therapy aims to relax contracted muscles, improve blood and lymphatic circulation, and stimulate the stretch reflex in muscles."
~ Read Cary’s Birth Story on p. 87 of Prepared Childbirth: The Family Way.
~ Read Cary’s Birth Story on p. 87 of Prepared Childbirth: The Family Way.
Addtional Examples of Guided Meditations for Pregnancy and Birth:
Click Here to download A Free Mp3 of Positive Birth Affirmations, Courtesy of Tums 2 Mums!, or Listen Here:
Web It! Resources from The Family Way®:
Active Relaxation Techniques (page 22-23)
~ Audio files from UNC
~ 10 Tracks to Help Keep You On Track! (relaxation mp3 files)
~ Various Massage Techniques (video)
~ Music for Labor and Birth
~ Audio files from UNC
~ 10 Tracks to Help Keep You On Track! (relaxation mp3 files)
~ Various Massage Techniques (video)
~ Music for Labor and Birth
reflection opportunities
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Student Poll: |
Journal Entry:
Please visit the forum below under "Unit 2: Preparing Your Body And Mind - Relaxation Techniques" to reflect on the following 2 questions:
- Which was your favorite form of massage - hand, feet, arm, head, neck, shoulder, or back massage? Do you have any tips or suggestions regarding massage techniques that could be helpful to others?
- For those who meditate, how has it been helpful to you? Do you see this as a valuable tool for labor?
- Which was your favorite form of massage - hand, feet, arm, head, neck, shoulder, or back massage? Do you have any tips or suggestions regarding massage techniques that could be helpful to others?
- For those who meditate, how has it been helpful to you? Do you see this as a valuable tool for labor?