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Slow Labor? 9 Natural, Effective Tips To Get Things Going

If you’re giving birth in a hospital and end up in slow labor, this can put you in a difficult position.

This is especially true if you’re trying to avoid unnecessary interventions.

It’s really important to be informed about what stalled or slow labor means, and what you can do to help yourself.

Otherwise, it can cause a great deal of anxiety and stress, when you least need it.

How is slow labor defined?

Different hospitals have different definitions of ‘slow labor’.

First labors last, on average, between 12 and 18 hours from the start of regular contractions (active phase of labor).

For a second or subsequent baby, the process tends to be much quicker – around 5 to 6 hours.

Your health care provider might consider you to be in slow labor if:

• Your baby isn’t born within 20 hours of regular contractions, or
• Cervical dilation is less than 0.5cm per hour, over a 4 hour period.

Read How Long Does It Take To Dilate From 4cm to 10cm? for more information on the normal progression of labor.

The latent phase of labor

As the muscles in the uterus walls get to work, you’ll start to feel contractions during the latent or ‘early’ phase of labor.

These contractions apply pressure to your cervix, allowing it to expand slowly, or dilate.

What are the signs of slow labor?

The pattern of your contractions can give a lot of information on how your labor is moving forward.

Different patterns of contractions include:

• Irregular
• Slow frequency
• Short
• Coupling – where one might start before the last one has completely finished
• Severe back or pelvic pain
• Slow dilation of the cervix
• Poor descent of the head (or presenting part) into the pelvis.

What causes slow labor?

There are a number of causes of slow labor; sometimes, though, the cause is unknown.

Some of the more common reasons for slow labor progress are:

• Big baby – A larger baby might have more difficulty in navigating the pelvis
• Malposition – The baby’s position can affect labor, e.g. back to back or breech
• Contractions – short, weak, or irregular patterns in the first stage of labor
• Medications – Certain medications, including epidural during labor, can affect the duration of labor.

What’s the treatment for slow labor?

At some point, it’s likely there will be (increasing) pressure on you to accept medical augmentation to hurry things along.

This might involve breaking your waters, or medically augmenting your labor with synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin or Syntocinon) might be suggested.

It’s important to understand synthetic oxytocin doesn’t work in the same way as the natural oxytocin your body releases itself.

Artificial oxytocin makes contractions stronger, longer, and more intense, giving you little rest in between.

This increases the chance of your baby experiencing abnormal heart rate patterns.

For you, it increases the likelihood of further interventions, such as additional pain relief in the form of an epidural, or c section birth.

In the first stage or latent phase of labor, some women will experience a plateau. If this happens to you, it doesn’t mean you have done anything wrong; it’s just something that can occur.

The good news is, there are many things you can try, which can help progress your labor, and are also safe for you and your baby.

We recommend reading the following articles for more information:

• 5 Things Oxytocin Does That Pitocin/Syntocinon Doesn’t
• Natural Labour vs Induced Labour – 6 Main Differences.

What to do for a slow labor?

First, you need to understand there are several factors a doctor or midwife will use to medically evaluate the progress of your labor.

These may include any of the following:

• Vaginal examinations to access your cervix, and look for thinning (effacement) and dilation
• Length and strength of contractions
• Time between contractions
• Station or engagement of your baby in the pelvis
• Maternal behavior being displayed (distress, pain).

Unfortunately, none of these methods is reliable or foolproof – even for the most experienced healthcare professional.

Medical staff deal mostly with effacement, dilation, and station. They like to see a regular pattern of progress with regard to dilation.

They’re also mostly involved in managing labors, rather than allowing a woman’s labor to follow its natural course.

Remember vaginal exams are subjective, meaning two people performing the same exam might come up with different results. This can lead to unnecessary interventions or tests, based on their evaluations.

This can happen for a couple of reasons:

• The cervix isn’t visible. Evaluation of the cervix is performed by inserting two fingers into the vagina to assess the cervix. No one has a ruler up there to measure the actual number of centimeters you’re dilated. The number is a ‘best guess’, based on how much of the cervix can be felt
• Sometimes ‘the number’ in terms of centimeters is immaterial. One centimeter of dilation could take 10 minutes or 2 hours – particularly if it’s not your first birth – but the labor can still progress in a healthy way.

There are times when a vaginal exam might be helpful, to check whether your baby’s position is affecting labor or if there’s a particular concern for failure to progress.

Labor doesn’t follow any hard or fast rules and is often affected by many different external factors and influences.

There is growing support, though, that a plateau in labor is very normal and healthy.

Instead of failure to progress, it’s more a case of failure to wait.

With this in mind, let’s see what you can do to get things going:

#1: Go for a walk or mobilize

Movement is a great way to encourage your baby to descend, which involves lots of wriggling and turning through your pelvis.

Movement on your part, especially walking and stair climbing, can help shift your baby into a better position.

Gravity is your friend. It can be really helpful if your baby is in a back-to-back position. Movement allows your baby’s head to put more pressure on the cervix, to assist with dilation.

If you can walk through a contraction, even better! This can be a tricky feat, though, especially later in labor.

#2: Change your environment

When creating your birth space, you might wish to ask yourself:

• Is the room too bright?
• Do I feel closed in or claustrophobic, or need some fresh air?
• Is there too much stimulation, chatter, or annoying noise going on?
• Do I need privacy?
• Do I feel uncomfortable?
• Is anyone making me feel uncomfortable, or is there someone I don’t want to be here?

Your birthing environment has the power to help you relax and feel safe, or to create anxiety.

When you feel stressed, your adrenaline rises. This interferes with your body’s production of oxytocin, the hormone responsible for contractions.

Contractions will slow and stall labor until you’re in a ‘safe’ place again. High oxytocin loves low adrenaline.

If you can, get some fresh air or privacy.

Have a trusted support person who can assess the environment and make changes as needed.

Consider asking for a different doctor or midwife if you’re having trouble relaxing around the one you’ve been assigned.

There are so many things that can mess with the process of labor when you mess with the mother’s right to feel private, safe, and unobserved.

For more information on this topic, be sure to read Undisturbed Labour – What Is It And Why Aim For One?.

#3: Change positions

Similar to the benefits of walking, active birth positions also help your baby to get into the most optimal position for birth.

Try changing positions regularly – every 40-60 minutes or so.

Being stationary, in one position, can slow things down, and make contractions more uncomfortable.

#4: Nipple stimulation

Nipple stimulation to induce labor can produce strong contractions, as the nipple stimulation promotes oxytocin. If you’re breastfeeding a toddler, have him attach, as the sucking action will do the same thing.

Massage the nipple for 5 minutes (when there are no contractions), then wait to see what happens before doing more.

Once contractions are regular again, stop the stimulation.

#5: Sex or orgasm

If you feel up to it, orgasm produces oxytocin, endorphins, and feelings of calm and relaxation. Why not give your partner a nudge (or do it yourself) and get that oxytocin flowing? It might well help labor along.

For some tips on how to manage sex during pregnancy, check out Pregnancy Sex Positions – 7 Ideas For Pregnant Couples.

#6: Acupressure and acupuncture

You can learn acupressure during your pregnancy, so you or your partner can work on acupressure points should you want to get labor moving.

Alternatively, you can speak to an acupuncturist about the possibility of attending your labor or birth. Acupuncture to induce labor is becoming much more popular choice for women.

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#7: Consider emotional factors

Childbirth can sometimes bring about big emotions, anticipated or not.

Perhaps you or your partner really wanted a boy and you’re having a girl. Or maybe you’re anxious about pushing your baby out, or recall a horror story from a friend.

Perhaps someone close to you has passed away recently.

Maybe you’re worried about what will happen after the birth, as the pregnancy was unplanned, and you or your partner aren’t sure how you feel about things.

These are all normal emotions to experience during birth. Don’t be afraid or ashamed of them; instead, try to name them. Speak with people you trust to let them know what’s going on.

If you’re aware of any psychological factors that might come up during your labor, exploring them during your pregnancy can be a huge help.

It might be a good idea to seek counseling, to help deal with how you feel and to prevent events playing out when you are in labor.

#8: Wait it out. Yes!

If things are slowing down, the other option is to wait it out.

Medical staff expects birth to happen in a specific time frame, based on an old, outdated method of measuring labor called Friedman’s Curve.

More recent research has shown the average length of the active labor phase is actually 3 hours longer than the expected time frame of the Friedman’s Curve.

This study found 30% of women who were given more time went on to have a normal birth, without harm to themselves or their babies.

#9: Doulas and independent midwives can help

If you’re worried about how you or your partner will remember all of these tips for slow labor, then hiring a doula or independent midwife might be the answer.

A doula is trained in birth support, and can offer techniques and reassurance when you aren’t sure what’s going on, or if you’re feeling anxious.

Studies have shown having doulas or trained birth support people actually promotes oxytocin release. This reduces anxiety and fear, which helps increase your contractions. You’re also less likely to request pain relief.

An independent midwife can do the same, but is also medically trained. That means you can birth at home, if appropriate, or she can accompany you to the hospital.

Midwives have lots of medical and practical knowledge about slow labor, and can help get your labor going again.

If you’re unsure whether a doula is right for you, read 5 Things To Know Before Hiring A Doula to learn more.

Unfortunately, in most hospitals, the most common strategy for dealing with a slow or stalled labor is to fix it with drugs, tools, or interventions.

Who wants to fight for the right to let your body do what comes naturally in labor?

Being prepared with knowledge and the right support is key to having a positive birth experience.

Bag to the maternity hospital - a list of things for mom and baby

Catalog of maternity hospitals

Perinatal center MMCC Kommunarka - childbirth under the compulsory medical insurance policy

Everything about the new Perinatal Center in Kommunarka: conditions of stay, features, photo, address, phone.

Catalog of maternity hospitals

Perinatal center GKB №67 named after. L.A. Vorokhobov — childbirth under the MHI policy

Perinatal Center City Clinical Hospital No. 67 named after. L.A. Vorokhobova - reviews, doctors, registration for childbirth free of charge under compulsory medical insurance.

Catalog of maternity hospitals

Center for family planning and reproduction - childbirth free of charge under compulsory medical insurance

TsPSiR on Sevastopolskaya - about the center, reviews, doctors, an appointment for childbirth under the compulsory medical insurance policy.

Catalog of maternity hospitals Bauman - childbirth under the MHI policy

Perinatal Center of the City Clinical Hospital No. 29 named after N.E. Bauman on Hospital Square, 2. Registration for childbirth is free of charge under the compulsory medical insurance policy.

Catalog of maternity hospitals

O.M. Filatova - childbirth under the compulsory medical insurance policy

Maternity Hospital City Clinical Hospital No. 15 named after. O.M. Filatov on Vykhino, st. Veshnyakovskaya, d.

Catalog of maternity hospitals

Perinatal center GKB im. S.S. Yudina - childbirth under the MHI policy

Maternity hospital No. 7 GKB im. S.S. Yudina on Kolomensky passage, 4, building 2. Registration for childbirth is free of charge under the MHI policy.

Catalog of maternity hospitals

Maternity ward №2 A.K. Yeramishantseva (Maternity Hospital No. 40) - childbirth under the compulsory medical insurance policy

Maternity ward №2 GKB im. A.K. Eramishantseva (Maternity Hospital No. 40) on Taimyrskaya, 6. Registration for childbirth is free of charge under the compulsory medical insurance policy.

Catalog of maternity hospitals

Maternity ward No. 1 A.K. Yeramishantseva - childbirth under the policy of OMS

Maternity Ward No. 1 of the City Clinical Hospital named after. A.K. Yeramishantsev. Registration for childbirth is free of charge under the compulsory medical insurance policy.

Catalog of maternity hospitals

Maternity hospital №3 GKB №67 named after. L.A. Vorokhobova (previously RD No. 3 TsPSiR Branch No. 4) - childbirth under the MHI policy

Maternity hospital No. 3 GKB No. 67 named after. L.A. Vorokhobov on Nezhinskaya, 3 (formerly RD No. 3 TsPSiR Branch No. 4). Registration for childbirth is free of charge under the compulsory medical insurance policy.

Catalog of maternity hospitals

Maternity hospital No. 52 - childbirth under the compulsory medical insurance policy

Maternity hospital No. 26 at the city clinical hospital No. 52 on Sosnovaya, 11. Registration for childbirth is free of charge under the compulsory medical insurance policy.

Catalog of maternity hospitals

Perinatal center GKB im. M.P. Konchalovsky - childbirth under the policy of compulsory medical insurance

Perinatal Center of the City Clinical Hospital named after. M.P. Konchalovsky in Zelenograd. Registration for childbirth is free of charge under the compulsory medical insurance policy.

Catalog of maternity hospitals

Maternity hospital №2 GKB im. F. I. Inozemtseva (formerly maternity hospital No. 20 of the D. D. Pletnev City Clinical Hospital) - childbirth under the compulsory medical insurance policy

Maternity hospital No. 2 GKB im. F.I. Inozemtseva (formerly the Maternity Hospital No. 20 of the Pletnev City Clinical Hospital) on Verkhnaya Pervomaiskaya, 57. Registration for childbirth is free of charge under the CHI policy.

Catalog of maternity hospitals

F.I. Inozemtseva — childbirth under the compulsory medical insurance policy

Maternity hospital No. 36 GKB im. F.I. Inozemtseva on Fortunatovskaya, 1, bldg. 2. Registration for childbirth is free of charge under the CHI policy.

Catalog of maternity hospitals

Maternity hospital №4 GKB im. V.V. Vinogradova - childbirth under the MHI policy

Maternity hospital No. 4 GKB im. V.V. Vinogradova on the street. Novatorov, d. 3. Registration for childbirth is free of charge under the compulsory medical insurance policy.

Catalog of maternity hospitals

Maternity hospital GKB im. V.V. Veresaeva - childbirth under the policy of compulsory medical insurance

Maternity hospital No. 17 GKB im. V.V. Veresaeva on the 800th anniversary of Moscow, house 22. Registration for childbirth is free of charge under the compulsory medical insurance policy.

Catalog of maternity hospitals

Maternity hospital №27 V.V. Veresaeva (formerly RD No. 27 GKB named after S. I. Spasokukotsky) - childbirth under the policy of compulsory medical insurance

Maternity hospital No. 27 (formerly GKB named after S. I. Spasokukotsky) - about the maternity hospital, reviews, doctors, an appointment for childbirth free of charge under the policy OMS.

Catalog of maternity hospitals

Maternity hospital No. 8 City clinical hospital No. 15 named after. O.M. Filatov (formerly Maternity Hospital No. 8 City Clinical Hospital named after V.P. Demikhov)

Maternity Hospital No. 8 City Clinical Hospital No. 15 named after. O.M. Filatov on Samarkand Boulevard, 3. Registration for childbirth is free of charge under the MHI policy.

TOP 30+ ideas for a gift for the birth of a child, what to give a newborn - Ozon Club

Ozon Club

Children and parents

We will tell you what to give for the birth of a child, how to choose between useful and pleasant, and how to please young parents. And let's start right away with what you don't need to give.

Daria Pichugina Compiled a guide to the best gifts for the birth of a child

July 27, 2021

Things not to give to new parents

Things not to give new parents

Immediately dismiss these gift ideas for newborns:

1. Soft toys. Doctors have long been saying that these dust collectors have no place in the nursery, at least up to three years old.
2. Sterilizers, bottles, teats. Their mother will buy them herself, based on the mode and method of feeding.
3. Diapers and undershirts. You can just not guess. Some mothers dress their children in slips and bodysuits from the very first day, others select the most delicate fabrics and sew the first vests themselves.
4. Photo session at the maternity hospital. All relatives and friends sincerely believe that young parents want to capture a significant moment. But not every mother looks like the Princess of Wales a few days after giving birth. Therefore, she has no desire to pose for a photographer. Postpone this idea until at least 6 months of age.
5. Breast pump. An electronic gadget is not cheap, and you definitely cannot know whether it will be useful or not. In addition, such a present is very intimate - it is inappropriate to present it to a stranger.
6. Walkers and jumpers. Parents are increasingly refusing to use them, as devices slow down the natural processes of getting on their feet and mastering space, and they are also traumatic. Before presenting such a gift, inquire about the mother's attitude towards him.
7. Used clothes. Children grow quickly, so the sliders, bodysuits and slips remain in good condition and are able to serve ten more children. But before you give them, be sure to ask your parents if they would be against it. After all, such a gift can offend their feelings. Even if mom doesn’t mind, it’s better to give a package with such things just like that, and not as a gift.

What to give a newborn: 15 useful things

Until the age of 2–3, children do not identify themselves by gender. Therefore, gifts for the birth of a boy and a girl can not be divided - they need the same things with a slight difference in color and plots. So, a little princess can be presented with a mobile with daisies, and the heir of the family - with cars.

Definitely going to be used:

1. Baby bouncer. The back of the device is adjustable in three positions, which allows you to use it from the first days of life. The compact chaise longue is easy to carry from one room to another, which allows the child to always be close to his mother.
2. Educational toys. Rugs, books, animals with bells and rustlers sewn into their paws will be useful to the baby from 6 months.
3. Lego Duplo. This series of construction sets is designed for the smallest ones - its parts are larger than usual, and the fastenings are easier to snap into place. It is recommended to give multi-colored blocks to a child from 8–10 months.
4. Bath toys. They also attract attention from 5-6 months, make the obligatory procedure fun and not tiring.
5. Cubes. This is one of the first toys that develops children's gross motor skills, spatial thinking, and is also able to teach colors and letters later.
6. Pyramid and top are classics that delight all kids.

Wooden children's toy-pyramid Tomik, 9 elements

345 ₽ 515 ₽

289 ₽ 499 ₽

633 ₽

265 ₽

7. The fabric-apparatus with an amusing ears or Mordochka. It is convenient to wrap a child in it after bathing, so it lasts up to 3-5 years.
8. Projector. The drawings he created on the ceiling, the baby begins to consider already from 4-5 months.
9. A set of children's cosmetics. Bathing gel, massage oil, diaper rash cream are needed for the entire period of infancy.

MUSTELA Soft shampoo for children's hair, 200 ml

590 ₽ 650 ₽

590 ₽ 650 ₽

322 ₽

148 rubberle 156 ₽ 9000

NIBLER SILICONOVO KUNDER with a grip for the first feeding, children's rodent rodulator

202 ₽ 999 ₽

314 ₽ 785 ₽

Grandparents and dads often rush things by giving toys for growth - radio-controlled cars, electronic puppies and smart watches. Guests are also allowed to present such a present. But keep in mind that in a few years the toy may go out of fashion, the child will not appreciate it, or there will simply be nowhere to store it all this time.

Twistshake Pastel teether, pink

255€ 493€

145€ 450€

230€ 541€

Playpen large reinforced

3 960 ₽ 12 000 ₽

2 307 ₽ 2 600 ₽

3 729 ₽ 13 999 ₽

3 509 ₽

Ultrasonic air -moisturizer "Flame", white/Aromadiffor spray Portable sprayer

1 682 ₽ 3 690 ₽

4 600 ₽ 5 200,0003

1,837 rubles 3 990 ₽

378 ₽ 3 990 ₽

If you do not know what to give, you can always buy a gift certificate in a children's store so that parents buy exactly what they need. Or an Ozon gift card with any denomination.

OZON Gift Vouchers are a great gift for any occasion

Please your loved ones, friends and colleagues. You will definitely love this gift! 10,000,000 gifts in one, delivery in 15 min. to email and SMS, the balance does not expire after the first purchase!

Electronic gift certificate Million Gifts (2000) Ozon home

2,000 RUB

3,000 RUB

Electronic gift certificate Million Gifts (3,500) Ozon home

3,500 RUB

5 000₽

Gift ideas for the birth of a child for young parents

Young parents also deserve attention and congratulations on their new status. A good gift would be something that makes life easier, or something that both parents will use.

1. Multicooker. He will take on the tasks of cooking and the first feeding, give an extra hour of free time a day.
2. Thermomix or blender with keep warm function. It will come in handy very soon, when the baby will need to cook cereals and mashed potatoes daily.
3. Robot vacuum cleaner. Maintain cleanliness in the house and relieve fears for the health of the child.
4. Baby monitor or video monitor. Often, parents are so afraid for the baby that they cannot move away from the crib, even when their son or daughter is fast asleep. Transferring videos to a tablet will relieve anxiety and allow you to do household chores.
5. Camera. It will capture every new day, the first smile, a walk, a swim, uncertain steps. Because kids grow up so fast!
6. Photo session certificate. The first family photos can be hung on the wall in beautiful frames or made into an entire album.
7. Medical insurance or a contract with a private clinic for the care of a child in the first year of life.

Wireless Baby Monitor with two-way feedback with night light and lullabies, long distance digital transmission up to 300 m, battery operated and mains, White, Belgros 4 322 ₽

1 427 ₽ 3 990 ₽

You can support a young mother after pregnancy and such stress as childbirth with the help of pleasant and useful gifts.

1. Eco, spa or vegan cosmetics set. It is harmless to the child and allows the mother to take care of herself, to feel beautiful again.
2. Certificate for a beauty salon. A new haircut and manicure will cheer you up.
3. Spa certificate. Nothing restores strength like a massage with aromatic oils and complete relaxation.
4. Sling. A simple device allows you to carry a child on yourself from the first days of life. It will be especially useful for active mothers who are ready to go on a long walk or visit, because the sling allows you to even feed your baby without feeling discomfort in public places. You can complement the present with rattle beads, with which the baby will have fun on a long trip.
5. Hobby goods. Knitting, embroidery, even just folding puzzles is a pleasure, giving a sweet feeling of self-realization. Therefore, if a newly-made mother has a hobby, feel free to give materials for him. As soon as the daily routine is adjusted, she will again be able to do what she loves.
6. Box "Mom's Treasures". The first ultrasound image, the umbilical cord, the milk tooth - everything that the mother wishes to keep as a keepsake will be securely placed in this box.

The birth of a child is an event that brings joy and a lot of trouble at the same time. Try to make your gift pleasant and useful for young parents.

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