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Ready class? RELAX!!! . Objectives. Discuss the evolution of relaxation as a labor coping skill. Describe the physiologic response to stress in labor and the impact of eliciting the relaxation response on labor coping abilities. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Ready class?
RELAX!!!
Objectives1. Discuss the evolution of relaxation as a
labor coping skill.2. Describe the physiologic response to
stress in labor and the impact of eliciting the relaxation response on labor coping abilities.
3. Experience a variety of relaxation exercises designed for use in a childbirth class.
4. Choose and use at least two ways to teach expectant parents about the use of relaxation in labor and birth.
Relaxation Break #1
STRESSAny perceived threat,
which results in the release of…
CATECHOLAMINES
ALARM!
Typical Human Stress Response
heart rate & blood pressure Pupils dilate Digestion slows Glucose released from liver Blood shunted to skeletal muscles
and vital organs Air passages widen, oxygen
uptake
Resistance
Exhaustion
Is labor stressful?
Yeah.
Relaxation Break # 2
Stressors in labor• Imposed restrictions• Strange
environment• Perceived threat
(interventions, staff)• Cold• Pain• Hunger
Simkin Study (1986) –16 events described as VERY
stressful• Labor induction or augmentation• EFM• Internal EFM• Vaginal exams• IVs• Administration of analgesia• Administration of anesthesia
• Restriction to bed• Restriction of drink• Unfamiliar doctor• Episiotomy & repair• Forceps• Vacuum• Limited time with baby after birth• Circumcision
Two ways to be relaxed in labor…
1. AVOID or REDUCE the existing stressors
2. Use relaxation and other techniques to deal with remaining stress.
AVOID or REDUCE Stressors
• Alter environment (lighting, sounds, privacy, people, temperature)
• Enhance physical comfort (positioning, pillows, temperature, touch, massage)
• Calm the psyche (visitors, music, soft voice, white noise)
• Distraction (talking, breathing patterns, focal point)
• Practice decision-making skills
FEAR - TENSION -PAIN
FEAR
PAIN TENSION
Relaxation Break # 3
Stress response in labor…
Part of the fetal ejection reflex newborn alertness & readiness
for the outside world maternal ferocity and
aggressiveness the release of vasopressin,
which interferes with oxytocin Cold and shaky feeling Forgetfulness
Female Stress Response• Catecholamines are
released…
• Because we have estrogen and access to oxytocin …women tend to react differently seeking to…
• Tend & befriend (calm & connection)
The release of oxytocin causes…
blood pressure stress hormones; causing the tend
and befriend effect Facilitates reproduction (facilitates mating
by making certain men more attractive to us, sperm ejection reflex, fetal ejection reflex & milk ejection reflex, bonding)
pain threshold sleepiness, feeling of laziness muscle tension, relaxing (less
circulation to muscles)
calming, less upset about life’s big problems, peaceful
curiosity and a sense of closeness to the people nearby,
trust, daring (more courage = less fear) desire to please people
Openness to touch Increases digestion and fat absorption and storage
Releases stored nutrients to make milk
appetite
skin and mucous membrane circulation
Fosters love of infant, creates emotional bond
Sensitive to other’s feelings, recognize non-verbals
Causes blood vessels on the front dilate (rosy cheeks & warm chests)
Facilitates learning wound healing (twice as fast)
Induces social memory and calmness in infant
Buffers Prolactin’s response to stress
Oxytocin is stimulated by...
StressWarmthStrokingSexual
stimulationDescent of
the fetusGood foodCompanionshi
p (doulas)Quiet & low
light
Meditation & visualization
Positive thoughts & memories
MovementSucklingPleasant
smells & sounds
Oxytocin
Relaxation Break # 4
Relaxation break # 5
Teaching Relaxation
Sample Spiral…• What is relaxation? (previous
knowledge)• Relaxation breath (new simple
skill)• Relax with breath (add new skill)• Breathing awareness (add touch)• Roving body check (reinforce
touch)
Continuing…• Moving into relaxation (new skill)• Relaxation, rhythm and ritual
(putting it all together)• Releasing to birth• Birth visualization• Parenting/breastfeeding
visualization
Relaxation break # 6