In this blog I want to give you my best tips for getting through the hardest part of labor, notoriously known to be the transition phase! For those who may not know, transition is the phase of stage 1 of labor where you are dilating the last couple centimeters from 8 to 10.
So read on mama, especially if you want to give birth without an epidural or if you want to prepare yourself by adding more tools to your birth toolbox just in case! I’m happy you’re here!
Let’s first talk about what is happening during transition. When you get to transition, your body is almost ready for you to push your baby out. Your cervix is dilating the last few centimeters to accomplish complete dilation of 10cm. Your body is preparing your cervix to be pulled over your baby’s head and pushing your baby through the vaginal canal. This is widely agreed upon by mothers to be the most intense part of labor.
It is normal to feel like you can’t do it anymore when you get to this phase.
You will feel maximum pressure in your vagina and rectum which often makes you feel like you have to poop. For real mama, if you are having great pain and feeling great pressure like you need to poop, just know you are almost to the end! Know that more often than not women do poop during this part of labor (I did during both of my births!), but please hear me when I say, this cannot be controlled, is a regular part of the birth process and should not make you feel embarrassed. Feelings of doubt and loss of control can be overwhelming when you are experiencing transition. Timing of contractions and constant intense pressure leave you with little to no breaks from the pain. But, you can do hard things and this is typically the shortest phase of stage 1! (Thank goodness for that!) Expect to be irritable, but cope the best you can. Anticipate having nausea & possible vomiting. I experienced this with both my labors. Also, expect this to be the point in labor which you are the most vocal with moans and grunts. This is (in my opinion) the hardest part of labor.
Wow. I hope not to scare you with this information, but just to KEEP IT REAL. If you haven’t already, you will soon learn through my blog writing and IG storying that I don’t typically sugar coat things.
Don’t be hasty mama. Keep reading. I have strategies that will get you through transition so let’s finally talk about them!
Here is how to get through transition:
- Don’t watch the clock.
- Fuel your body as needed if it feels right even as contractions become more intense. Do keep in mind nausea and vomiting is very common at this point in labor.
- Relax! Especially making an effort to rest and recover in the short breaks between contractions.
- Ask for a cervical exam if you think knowing that you are close to being completely dilated [10cm] or seeing how much progress you have made may motivate you to keep going.
- Change positions often in a way that feels right for your body, doing your best to stay mobile & upright.
- If you can, do something to change your environment. Walk around, change up the room lighting, get in or out of the water, turn on some music…
- Try a different breathing technique or movement ritual during your contractions.
- Change the comfort technique you are using or add one in.
- Get vocal. Moan aloud through your contractions. Grunt, sing, hum or whatever feels right for you.
- Speak aloud your birth affirmations and positive birth mantra. Controlling your mindset may be the most powerful tool to help you continue on.
- Know that is it normal to reach a point in labor (usually it comes on during transition) when you think that you really cannot go on any longer. You will feel like you cannot handle it anymore. Let those thoughts trigger you to realize that your baby will probably be born so so soon! This whole section is your contingency plan for when you feel like you cannot do it anymore.
I have a bonus for you mama! Here is how your partner can support you through transition:
- You will probably see your partner expressing intense emotions and sensations. It is important that you keep your composure. Be her calm. Be her strength. Let her know you are with her.
- If you yourself need reassurance, get it from your doula, nurse or provider.
- Be confident and reassuring.
- Stay short and concise in this part of labor. It will be all mama can take in while she rests between contractions.
- Try not to ask questions during this last phase.
- Stay close to her. Even touching her softly or holding her hand if she has minded that.
- Look her in the eyes during contractions and offer support and encouraging words.
- You can also offer short encouragement between contractions to help her rest and continue on.
- Keep her rhythm. Know that her moans and groans are not cries for help but are methods of coping and getting her through each rush.
