Dealing with Back Labor
Back labor is a very rude surprise! We are prepared to feel pain from contractions, but it can be even harder to deal with when this pain shows up in your back. Here are some strategies to try if this happens to you!
Our #1 tip is to use have a partner give you counter pressure on your pelvis! Hip squeezes and counter pressure (pressing on lower back) can ease back labor significantly. This is a great technique that you can also use during the later stages of pregnancy as the pelvic bones begin to soften up and therefore are more moveable. You can have your partner, PT, midwife or doula perform this. Have them squeeze the top of your pelvic bones together, which will cause the bottom of your pelvis or pelvic outlet to open up more. I have to say, from prior experience, patients tend to LOVE this move. It takes so much pressure off this area and we all know during the final stages of pregnancy, getting some of the load off is much welcomed. If you do not plan on having a doula attend your birth, we can’t stress enough how beneficial it is for somebody to be physically able to do this for you!
Other tips for back labor:
MOVE! Walking around! This can be one of the best ways to get baby to engage in your pelvis facing the correct way (with their little face toward your sacrum and not the back of their head.
Hang out on your hands and and knees or tall kneeling (kneeling with hips extended) with your elbows resting on something can be very helpful. You can also lean forward onto a large bean bag, therapy ball, countertop or hospital bed. This shifts the baby forward and off of your back! Using any position where your baby can hang down with gravity instead of being compressed down to your spine has potential to help.
Pelvic clocks: on your hands and knees, rock your pelvis forward and back
Using a TENS unit! These are CHEAP off of the internet and can provide drug-free pain relief. The idea is you feel a tingling/buzzing sensation instead of your back pain from the electrical stimulation. A hot pack/heating pad can be used alone or in combination and can also be helpful. This is where some women use the tub as well, however this does often require you to be on your back which can make things feel worse.
Using a peanut ball: on your hands and knees, have one leg up (think like a dog peeing on a fire hydrant) and supported on a peanut ball. You can also have pillows stacked up under your chest so you are laying fully supported.
Hope this helps! You got this mama!