Comfort Measures
Comfort measures are a helpful bag of tricks when it comes to labor. They are often used in the absence of pain medication or epidurals, but a number of them can be used regardless. Comfort measures used in labor include position changes, controlled breathing, massage, counter pressure, hydrotherapy, heat and ice packs.
Doulas are trained in these comfort measures and teach the mother and her partner how to do them during pregnancy so they can practice them before labor begins. Your doula will help you perform them during labor, but equipping your partner to assist you is helpful too. Regardless of your birthing location, these comfort measures can be utilized at home in early labor as well as throughout the birthing process.
Position Changes
Movement during labor is super important, and changing positions can help mama’s body to open up and give the baby an easier way out. Depending on the stage of labor, some positions are better than others to help open up the pelvis for baby to descend. Squats, lunges, walking, swaying, moving on a birth ball, getting on hands and knees, side lying and using a peanut ball are all effective ways to move and change positions during labor. Your doula can give suggestions about position changes and ideas for how to let your body work most effectively.

Controlled Breathing
Learning and practicing controlled breathing during pregnancy helps prepare mama to breathe effectively and stay calm during labor. Both mama and baby need plenty of oxygen during the labor process. Various types of controlled breathing include deep breaths in early labor, shorter and more shallow breaths in active labor and panting as baby is crowning to keep from pushing hard. Controlling your breathing will help you get enough oxygen, stay calm, and keep you from hyperventilating. Your doula and partner can give you reminders and help by breathing with you when necessary.
Massage
Massage can help relax painful areas during labor. Each mama is different and has her own preferences. Some women like to be touched and massaged while others do not want any physical touch. Let your birth team know what feels best to you. Hand and foot massages can be done to ease tension and are often helpful if a mama has been walking a lot during her labor. Lightly touching a tense brow, jaw or shoulder can remind mama to let it go and relax that part of her body.

Counter Pressure
Mamas often love when pressure is applied to a painful area such as their back or hips during labor. This is usually done by her doula, partner or both. Steadying her back with one hand, they can apply firm, steady pressure where she directs, usually through a contraction and then taking a break. The “Double Hip Squeeze” is a form of counter pressure and is done by applying pressure at the same place on both hips. Your doula and partner can take turns doing this or do it together by each applying pressure to one side.
Hydrotherapy
Water is an amazing pain reliever and helps mama to relax. In early labor, taking showers can be soothing and help with the pain. A handheld shower wand can be used to direct hot water onto the painful spot. Mamas who decide to have unmedicated births often like to use a birth pool. These are commonly referred to as “the midwives’ epidural”. Talk to your midwife or doctor about the preferred time to get in the pool. It is wise to wait until active labor before getting in the pool for very long. By getting in too soon, labor could slow down in the early stages. Mamas should ALWAYS have supervision while in the pool to ensure safety.
Heat – A Relieving Comfort Measure
Utilizing heat during labor is a simple and effective comfort measure. A heating pad or hot water bottle wrapped in a towel can be applied to a sore spot to bring relief. Hot water in the shower is soothing and helpful too. Never apply heat, however, to any part of the body that is numb.
Cold – Another Simple Comfort Measure
Labor is hard work, and mamas often get hot. Cold, damp wash cloths can be applied to her forehead, neck and chest to help her stay cool and comfortable and keep her from overheating. Ice packs on her sore back can bring relief as well. As is the case with heat, never apply cold packs to any part of the body that is numb.
Support
Encouragement and affirmation are so important and can go a long way. Choose a birth team that will support you and the desires you have. Partners can learn helpful ways to encourage and give practical reminders so that their input is well received.
Comfort measures help by giving pain relief, encouraging relaxation and letting your body work effectively as it births your baby. Learn them during pregnancy so you can come prepared and use them in your labor and birth. You won’t regret it!

~Hannah
Photo Credit – Lauren Reed