Short of continuous presence and physical comfort, your support person (Or doula! Hire one today!) has another seemingly simple task of keeping your hydrated and nourished and your bladder empty while you labor.
Even if you are laboring in restful positions, the amount of energy exerted by your contracting uterus needs to be replenished. If you still have an appetite, follow your desires – just know that lighter foods in your belly may be more agreeable as the labor process progresses! If you’re at the point that you cannot fathom eating, honey sticks can be an excellent option for an easy burst of energy.
It’s a good idea for your support person to offer water or fluids (coconut water is a great water alternative!) frequently. They should simply hold a cup with a straw up for you to drink from. This way you can drink or not as needed without switching between your thinking brain and your labor land brain.
Great, so your support person has diligently kept on making sure to keep your body energized and hydrated so that you can continue on through the often exhaustive process of bringing a baby into the world.
BUT, with all of these great fluids going into your system, your bladder will soon be filling up and you may be too distracted to notice you need to pee. The problem with a full bladder in labor is that it takes up much needed lower abdominal space and hinder baby’s ability to navigate down and through your pelvis to birth! Here’s where your trusty support person comes in!
Your support person should be reminding you to empty your bladder frequently if you aren’t doing this on your own. Partners often love the concrete nature of this task; they’re great at making sure each hour you urinate if able. Honestly, this is one of the great reasons laboring in the bathroom and even on the toilet makes so much sense, as peeing then can be quite convenient!
So stock up on a few essentials like a great water bottle with a straw (the ease is so important in labor!), honey sticks (for you and your support person when energy is waning!), and some coconut water. Then assign your labor support person the job of making sure these tasks are accomplished! When labor is in full swing, they should be offering a drink after each contraction and reminding you to pee once an hour!
Happy laboring!
