https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 18 Apr 2026 11:14:25 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/early-labour-amp-active-labour-what-helped-you#post-291310 Tue, 11 Sep 2012 19:46:23 +0000 erinpye 291310@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Early labor for me was deceptively easy; I just sat and chatted and joked with family. Active labor hit like a ton of bricks and the only thing I felt comfortable doing was bouncing and swaying on the exercise ball--LOVED that thing! My husband rubbed the base of my spine (back labor) and I just remembered to breathe as I bounced/ swayed. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/early-labour-amp-active-labour-what-helped-you#post-291253 Tue, 11 Sep 2012 18:33:54 +0000 Shimmer 291253@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't really have early labor contractions as I was induced and the painful, active labor contractions started pretty quickly.</p> <p>I had a doula and she encouraged the low moans through the contractions to help me open up and make it through the contractions. I also sat on an exercise ball, faced away from DH and leaned on his chest in between and during contractions. He whispered in my ear during the contractions to help me get through the pain. </p> <p>That worked the best until I hit 6 cm, which is when I got my epidural. That was pretty awesome. </p> <p>During the pushing stage, focusing all my energy into the push and not yelling during the contractions *really* helped. But when the babies were crowning, the yelling totally happened and I wasn't sorry for it! lol </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/early-labour-amp-active-labour-what-helped-you#post-291251 Tue, 11 Sep 2012 18:24:12 +0000 CarrieLouWho 291251@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This is great! Thanks to all for sharing :o) I'm taking some notes for impending labor!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/early-labour-amp-active-labour-what-helped-you#post-291249 Tue, 11 Sep 2012 18:20:47 +0000 Ree723 291249@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Early labour was pretty easy as the contractions weren't painful, I just breathed through them a bit but nothing else was required. </p> <p>Active labour, I used the following techniques in order, progressing to the next step when the previous one stopped working:<br /> - bouncing on the exercise ball<br /> - pacing the floor<br /> - stomping around on the carpet (different sensation on the feet)<br /> - leaning on DH and stomping the floor with one foot<br /> - same as above but now using vocalisations as well (just a deep moaning sound)<br /> - sitting backwards on a chair and resting my forehead on the back of the chair whilst shuffling my feet on the carpet<br /> - a hot shower, which was AMAZING!</p> <p>And then I got the epidural which was far and away the most amazing pain management technique of all. :-) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/early-labour-amp-active-labour-what-helped-you#post-291244 Tue, 11 Sep 2012 18:04:47 +0000 lovehoneybee 291244@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>During early labor at home: bouncing on a yoga ball<br /> During start of active labor at home: leaning over a kitchen counter</p> <p>I had an epidural at 5cm, but it ended up failing when I was around 9cm. I labored without it for 2 hours after that. During that time, I was on auto-pilot...I sat up in the hospital bed with my eyes closed and just focused on breathing. Using the contraction monitor as a guide, my mom would tell me when to take a deep breath (when the contraction was getting ready to start), DH would tell me when it was peaking, and my MIL and FIL just breathed with me. </p> <p>I still had the epidural tube and IVs placed, so I was confined to the bed, but I don't think I would have had the strength to get up and walk around at that point. He was sunny-side up, so for me, sitting up and curling forward slightly was the most comfortable position for me...(I think I was mostly sitting Indian-style, but from time to time had one leg extended out or hanging off the bed.) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/early-labour-amp-active-labour-what-helped-you#post-291241 Tue, 11 Sep 2012 17:58:39 +0000 IcebergMom 291241@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Early labour: Walking around. Trying to joke with people, enjoy the moment. I was at home for most of this so I kept time of my contractions, emailed people, etc.</p> <p>Active labor: Getting in the shower (at the hospital) really helped. Apparently I was in there for 2 hours. Felt like 5 mins! I did do some breathing and I demanded the room be COMPLETELY silent every time I had a contraction. (Weird, I know). They also had a rocking chair in my room which I really liked though I can't remember if I rocked or just sat there. haha. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/early-labour-amp-active-labour-what-helped-you#post-291230 Tue, 11 Sep 2012 17:45:32 +0000 Beebug 291230@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This is great so far ladies -thank you!</p> <p>I know in my hospital room there are showers and they encourage us to get in there to help through contractions! Also the ball was definitely discussed (and practicing on it now!). It definitely seems good (and necessary) to have different aids for both early, and active labour. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/early-labour-amp-active-labour-what-helped-you#post-291193 Tue, 11 Sep 2012 16:56:08 +0000 littlecasita1122 291193@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Early labor: I walked around a lot and tried to keep moving or switching positions. Laying on my back just made things feel worse. </p> <p>Active labor: Slow, deep breathing helped me focus. I squeezed my husband's hand through a lot of them. Right before we decided to go to the hospital, I took too long hot showers (I turned around so the shower nozzle sprayed directly on my back). At the hospital, I took another shower and then my husband and a nursing student took turns rubbing my lower back with a hand held massager. During transition, another nurse coached me with the "he he ho" breathing and I tried using different focus spots around the room to look at during the peaks of my worst contractions. I did a lot of swaying with leaning on my husband. I did not have an epidural, only IV meds in the beginning of my active labor. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/early-labour-amp-active-labour-what-helped-you#post-291169 Tue, 11 Sep 2012 15:55:03 +0000 pastemoo 291169@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Early labor: I am going to meet my baby! Yay! Oh, now I'm bored. Let's watch movies.<br /> Active labor: Breathing--I tried to focus like it was a spin class "just sprint and then you can go downhill again" but in the end I caved and got an epidural. I hated the epidural though and asked they turn it off. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/early-labour-amp-active-labour-what-helped-you#post-291164 Tue, 11 Sep 2012 15:46:33 +0000 Honeybee 291164@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Lol, early labor pretty much doesn't exist for me (or at least, it's very short). With both of my kids, I immediately started out with 2 minute long contractions with 1 minute breaks in between. </p> <p>What helped the most before I got the epidural was keeping my eyes shut, low moaning, controlled breathing, and having my husband talk me through each one. Both times I threw up a lot before getting the epidural, and I was very nauseous, so having a cold washcloth on my forehead helped. I also found that walking/standing/kneeling during the contraction took much more strength than I had, so my husband would hold me up during each one and kinda sway (think middle school slow dancing). With both births, I had the epidural placed during active labor, which allowed me to rest until transition. During transition, I could feel the contractions some, so moaning and controlled breathing helped a lot, along with my husband's constant encouragement. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/early-labour-amp-active-labour-what-helped-you#post-291159 Tue, 11 Sep 2012 15:41:12 +0000 MegWag 291159@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I found visualization really helpful once my contractions got going. I went super-zen and quiet during them, closed my eyes and focused all my attention into the centre of the contraction. I used my mind to push through the pain until it went away... I don't know if that makes sense, but that worked really well for me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/early-labour-amp-active-labour-what-helped-you#post-291143 Tue, 11 Sep 2012 15:27:45 +0000 pelikila 291143@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I could tell no difference between early labor and active labor as mine was short and fast. But what helped me was standing in a warm shower or laying very still on my side and concentrating on breathing slowly and smoothly. My son was very low in my pelvis so any form of sitting was very painful. Kneeling, draping across a labor ball, or laying flat on my back made me nauseated so those didn't work for me but I definitely tried them. Having my husband sit and stare at me didn't help but having him calm and collected was very useful in keeping me from panicking. Don't be afraid to vocalize or hold on to something like a bar or chair arm so you can twist that to express what your body is going through. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/early-labour-amp-active-labour-what-helped-you#post-291110 Tue, 11 Sep 2012 14:49:07 +0000 prettylizy 291110@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@TurtleDoves: yes ma'am. Totally awesome wild ride. I'd recommend researching natural labour and hiring a doula to everyone. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/early-labour-amp-active-labour-what-helped-you#post-291107 Tue, 11 Sep 2012 14:43:28 +0000 CupQuakeWalk 291107@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@runsyellowlites: @prettylizy: You ladies sound like you had med free labors? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/early-labour-amp-active-labour-what-helped-you#post-291102 Tue, 11 Sep 2012 14:38:46 +0000 prettylizy 291102@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Early labour: I spent a lot of time pacing, on the ball and using my double electric pump to bring on active labour. I was in early labour for 40 hours (after my water broke) I also slept when I got tired (knowing I was coming up to the marathon that is labour and delivery). And I ate, again, gearing up for active labour. I treated early labour like the prep time to get things rolling. My contractions weren't really all that painful until I hit active Labour.</p> <p>Active Labour: I rolled my head down across my chest from one side to another and just though of the contraction as rolling over me. I spend some time standing, bent over my bed so that I could swing my hips back and forth. For the most part I laboured sitting upright (hospital bed converted into a chair essentially). Everytime I started to fight a contraction, my doula would tell me to drop my shoulders and loosen my jaw to relax and let my body contract. </p> <p>I agree with @runsyellowlites: you need to trust your body and give it the opportunity to do what it needs. By the time I was in active labour, I was so tired I would fall asleep between contractions. I thought I would love the water, but I was so tired I couldn't be bothered to make my way to the shower or tub. </p> <p>Lastly, remember, contractions last about 1:30 max... so the worst is at 45 seconds. You can do anything for 45 seconds and then it gets better. By the time it came time for me to push, I was so ready and excited, I don't remember it even hurting, just feeling good, like it was time. She was out after 3 good pushes!! It was amazing, and the endorphin rush is through the roof! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/early-labour-amp-active-labour-what-helped-you#post-291079 Tue, 11 Sep 2012 14:08:30 +0000 runsyellowlites 291079@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Early labor: I reminded myself that my body knew exactly what it was doing which helped me tremendously to not get discouraged despite my slow progression.</p> <p>Active Labor: I hummed in a low tone as I exhaled (I started this with my very first contraction so when it got harder this breathing was already second nature). I also had a labor playlist of worship music that I found myself singing along with through a few really tough contractions at 7 cm. And WATER!!!! While I labored in our tub DH would pour water over my belly through contractions, it felt AHHHHMAZING!</p> <p>Move ALOT and don't get stuck on any one position, what didn't help in early labor may be perfect for active labor or transition and visa versa... your body will tell you what it needs (transition consisted of my "hanging" on DH where early/active labor I wanted to deal by myself)</p> <p>Best thing you can do regardless of stage is TRUST YOUR BODY! Remember that even though you've never does this IT knows exactly what to do. ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/early-labour-amp-active-labour-what-helped-you#post-291067 Tue, 11 Sep 2012 13:59:16 +0000 Beebug 291067@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi ladies!</p> <p>For those who have laboured, what helped you get through both early labour, and active labour? Had my first birthing class last night and out instructor asked us to ask those we knew that have laboured what helped get through the time, contractions, etc, and while I don't "know" you all, you're an excellent resource!</p> <p>I have done some reading both in preggo books, and online with tips/help, but I think hearing what actually worked for some, could be helpful too!</p> <p>Thanks in advance! </p>