Navigating Labor Stages with the Comfort of a Labor Tub
Delivering your baby in a labor tub is a magical, comforting experience that imitates the womb. However, it’s important to understand the distinct stages of labor for an empowered birthing experience.
In this article, we break down what to expect and how to cope in each stage so you can enjoy your labor tub delivery safely.
Stage 1: Early Labor
This is the longest but least intense stage. You will experience the first contractions as your cervix begins to dilate in preparation for the progressing labor ahead. This is when you should get the labor tub ready, and begin using it to soothe any pain.
Tips for Coping:
Breathe deeply and rest.
Maintain gentle activity, e.g. walking to calm your mind.
Hydrate and have healthy snacks for energy.
Stage 2: Active Labor
As contractions become intense and closer together, it’s time to make your way to the hospital or birthing center, or for a home birth, prepare your birthing room, and use the labor tub for pain management.
Tips for Coping:
Continue to breathe as you immerse your body in the soothing labor tub.
Find a comfortable position and play some music.
Seek emotional and physical support from your partner, midwife or family members, e.g. gentle massage.
Stage 3: Transition
This stage is brief but most intense when it comes to contractions. A labor tub is excellent at this stage as your body prepares to welcome the baby.
Tips for Coping:
Remember that it will soon be over!
Enjoy the buoyancy of water in your labor tub.
Stay communicative with your birthing team.
Stage 4: Pushing and Birth
This is when you will be most active. All your efforts have been leading to this stage. The water will ease the delivery as you push and comfortably witness the miracle of birth.
Tips for Coping:
Listen to your body. Let the water guide you as you push.
Be aware of instructions and motivation from your birthing team.
Enjoy the moment and welcome your baby in the warmth of the labor tub.
Stage 5: Afterbirth
Finally, your body will release the placenta. But don't worry; this is shorter and less intense than birth. Your birthing team will guide you and ease discomfort.
Tips for Coping:
Make the most of your last minutes in the labor tub to bond with your newborn.
No need to worry about the placental delivery ‒ your birthing team will handle it
If you’d like to experience the transformative journey of labor in a labor tub, book your delivery with Our Birthing Center in New Jersey, welcoming families from Morris, Essex, Union, Hudson counties as well as New York City, Jersey City and beyond.
