For stop-start labours – alternative therapist, Pat Thomas, suggests gentle ways to get things going.

It’s natural to hope that labour won’t last too long. After nine long months many women are understandably anxious to see their babies. Some may even believe that a short, sharp labour would be better than a long drawn-out one. But wishing doesn’t always make it happen. Some labours are long and intense. Some stop and start – and then stop again – seemingly for no reason.

Often when this happens a woman is told that she is failing to progress. The implication of this is that her body is somehow misbehaving. Sometimes that can be the case. But often it is the result of drugs and procedures used on maternity wards. Many women are encouraged to give birth in a semi-reclining position. In this position the woman is labouring against gravity. The baby’s head may not be pressing firmly against the cervix – signalling it to release oxytocin – the hormone which stimulates contractions.

Epidurals can slacken the pelvic muscle making it harder for the baby to rotate into a favourable position. And although synthetic hormones such as prostaglandin and syntocinon are often used to accelerate labour, in some cases they make it last longer. This is because the uterus is a muscle. When this muscle becomes overstimulated by large doses of synthetic hormones it eventually becomes tired and ineffective. It also stops providing oxygen to the baby – a major cause of foetal distress.

While few would choose to have a long labour, surveys show that the length of labour is unimportant to women, provided they have good emotional support, remain in control and maintain their ability to cope with contractions.

How long should labour last?

Labour is a totally individual thing and no one can say how long it should be. Some labours, particularly first ones, are long. With first-time mothers, the cervix is less elastic than it is with subsequent births. In any labour it is perfectly normal to have periods of activity and rest. As long as your baby is fine, you can confidently consider gentle alternatives to get labour going again.

‘Labour-savers’ ‘Tried and tested tips’

• Clear the room of unnecessary people. Lots of people talking around you can make it difficult to focus on more important matters.
• When you and your partner are alone try kissing, cuddling and nipple stimulation. Many midwives report that the last of these can be a very effective way of stimulating labour if it has slowed down.
• Stay upright and mobile. Go for a walk – gravity will pull your baby’s head down more firmly onto your cervix. This will stimulate the production of oxytocin which will strengthen your contractions.
• Eat or drink something light or try a few spoonfuls of honey. Your body may be crying out for a little extra energy.
• Try squatting. You can do this on a birth stool, between your partners legs or sitting on a bucket covered with towels. Go ahead and improvise. Squatting has been shown to make contractions stronger. However, women in established labour may find it painful to get into or maintain the squatting position.
• Change the atmosphere in some way – put on some music, burn some essential oils, change the lighting
• If you are tired, rest. When labour slows down it may be simply be a signal that you need a break. Provided there is no sign of distress in the baby and you are well, there is no harm in waiting. Lying on your side with legs and arms propped up by pillows is unlikely to restrict blood flow to your baby. Your midwife can continue to monitor your baby in this position.
• Try a dose of castor oil and milk. Many midwives are returning to this old-fashioned remedy which can be surprisingly effective at stimulating a stalled labour.
• Use homeopathic remedies. There is a body of research to show that well-chosen homeopathic remedies can stimulate labour. Caulophyllum 30c is the most commonly used remedy and may help to shorten labour. If you consult a homeopath before you reach term he or she may supply you with several different remedies to use at appropriate times before, during and after labour.
• Acupuncture is another effective way to stimulate labour. Visit your acupuncturist near your due date for gentle pre-labour treatment.
• Don’t underestimate the way your body and your baby can co-operate with your innermost feelings. Are you afraid of something or angry about something? Can you articulate it? Sometimes voicing your concerns helps to clear the air and can move your labour along.
• Remind yourself that some labours, particularly first labours, simply are long. Maybe for you, this is how it’s meant to be.

Make sure you discuss your options with your midwife before labour so that you understand the pros and cons of each.

The most mother- and baby-friendly route for conventional measures is:

• Sweeping of the membranes (that is moving the tough membrane covering of the cervix aside). This can be painful but effective. And because it does not involve drugs it has few adverse effects for you or your baby.
• Synthetic hormones; prostaglandin pessaries or gel first, then if these fail syntocinon.
• Artificial rupture of the membranes or ARM. This is when your practitioner uses a small instrument to burst the bag of waters which surround your baby. Many hospitals start with ARM but you don’t have to agree to this. Keeping your waters intact means that your baby still has the amniotic fluid to protect its head from the powerful contractions which can follow, should you need to use synthetic hormones.

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