News

Imbalance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in blood, usually caused by a combination of fast and deep breathing

• Tingling in hands, feet, or around lips
• Dizziness, light-headedness

Mother:

• Re-breathe exhaled air by breathing into a paper bag or cupped hands
• Hold breath for a few seconds after a contraction is over

Coach:

• Direct mother to re-breathe her air
• Monitor breathing and correct her technique as needed

• Intense discomfort in back during contractions, which frequently persists between contractions
• Relaxation may become extremely difficult as discomfort and tension increase

• Assume a favorable position—side-lying, sitting, standing, or on your hands and knees; DO NOT lie on your back
• Change position frequently
• Pelvic rock/tilt
• Relaxation
• Breathing patterns
• Listen to nurse’s suggestions

Coach:

• Give mother lots of praise and encouragement
• Passive pelvic rock/tilt
• Change of temperature to lower back, hot or cold compresses
• Very firm pressure to the lower back, counter pressure, and massage