Massage
Massage can be hugely beneficial during labour as long as you want to be touched. If you like massage, it is definitely something you should practice in the lead up to birth so your partner feels confident in what he or she is doing. Don’t dismiss it if it is not something you particularly enjoy under usual circumstances because your needs can change in labour and sometimes counter pressure during particularly strong contractions or if you have an achey back can be just what you need. Different people are going to find different types of massage helpful.

So some people cannot stand soft stroking but it may be exactly what they need. They might find firm and rhythmic strokes, like the ones illustrated below, are more acceptable. The theory is that this gentle massage acts on the Gate Control Theory method by flooding the body with pleasant sensations so that the brain does not perceive the painful sensations as much because it is too busy concentrating on all the pleasant feelings instead. This sort of massage is fab for in between contractions to really help you to relax – so important because you want to be as relaxed as possible when the next one starts.

Gentle massage also helps to regulate your breathing which, as we know, stimulates the relaxation response. Gentle massage, especially when delivered by someone you love also triggers Oxytocin – Win Win!

Here are some more examples of gentle massage techniques that can help to ground you, release adrenalin and get you out of your thinking brain.

Pressure wave

• Gentle sweep across the eyebrows.
• Move to the temples.
• Shoulders.
• Tops of arms.
• Forearms.
• Thighs.
• Calves.
• Top of feet and then sweep off.
• Gentle squeeze wherever your hands stop.

Head massage

• One hand on the back of her head and one hand on her forehead, slightly covering her eyes.
• Apply gentle pressure.
• Firmer, deeper massage acts on something called the Diffuse Noxious Inhibitory Control method of pain relief.  The idea is that stimulation from intense, firm massage stimulates the brain to release endorphins which is going to mask the pain from contractions.
• It also helps to reduce cortisol and stress hormones and increase levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain (Decker, 2018)

Firmer counter pressure can be done during contractions. Here are some examples:

Counter pressure
Apply pressure through the palms of your hand anywhere on her back where she is feeling discomfort. Use your body weight to increase pressure as opposed to your arms. Avoid leaning on her spine. Small of the back Using fingers or a massage ball, small circular movements with pressure in the small of her back.

Hip squeeze
Squeeze either side of the hips with heel of hands on hip bones to help the baby descend or move into a good position. By moving heel of hands slightly forward you can increase space at the front of her pelvis. The trick is to hold the squeeze for the length of the contraction – think of it as an upper body workout!

Sacral pressure
Placing your palms or hands on the sacral area of the lower back during a contraction. Many women find that this is a wonderful way of relieving pressure on the lower back during a contraction.

Shaking the apples
Between contractions – a vigorous rub down the mothers back, bottom and legs to release tension, release adrenaline, get the blood flowing and make her giggle!

A note to those doing the massage:

It is so important that you look after yourself during the labour process (that is not an excuse to do nothing, by the way) but the chances are, if she likes having massage, you could be doing it for a long, long time.
Make sure you’re in a good supported position as much as possible so as not to cause unnecessary muscle tension etc.
Make sure you wear comfortable clothes and, as make sure you drink and eat to keep your strength up.
You’re going to be no good to her if you pass out from dehydration and lack of energy