Comforting words during natural childbirth.

My sister is due any moment, and I'm her unofficial doula. I've read, researched, and prepared myself as far as the actual physical labor and birth goes, but I'm completely unprepared on the emotional aspect.

If you had a natural birth, what are some words/gestures that comforted you the most?

Tia.

A firm but soft hand on my shoulder while saying relax, breathe, you got this. The pressure from the hand distracted me enough but didn't hurt. Also light touch massage is AMAZING! If you don't know what it is, look it up. It will be a life saver!

For me it wasn't the talking, it was the rubbing my hand, massaging, holding my hand. Letting me know you was there!

<blockquote><b>Quoting -Kaysay-:</b>" My sister is due any moment, and I'm her unofficial doula. I've read, researched, and prepared myself ... [snip!] ... on the emotional aspect. If you had a natural birth, what are some words/gestures that comforted you the most? Tia."</blockquote>



Not much helped me, any touching or anyone talking to me made me crazy.

I did not do natural, but the best thing I heard was when its over, it really is all over, no more pain AT ALL.
And she was right.

Everything annoyed me. I didn't like to be talked to or be touched really. I just had to get in my own little zone.

Reminding me about the goal---that my baby would be in my arms in just a few minutes/hours. That kept me strong through 36hr labor and 3.5hr pushing.

I didn't have a completely natural childbirth, but I made it 30 hours and to 9 cm.
For me, physical touch was much more comforting than words. I was so "inside" myself that I honestly didn't really pay attention or even hear the people around me. Having DH hold my hand, rub/massage my back, just having him touch me was much more comforting than any words he said.

But in the early stages, helping me with my imagery, telling me that my body knew what it was doing and to trust that, that I am a strong, empowered woman who can handle anything, etc.

Nothing. Like, please do not touch or try to talk to me.

Smack her on the back of the head and tell her to suck it up....

Seriously though, I didnt do natural childbirth although I wish I had. I would assume that just your presence, having her favorite music or sounds on may help relax her, and just ask if you can rub her shoulders or whatnot. Keep telling her that she's awesome and a rockstar and her body is doing what it was designed to do.

Good luck!

Honestly... i didn't want anyone to talk or touch me much during my labours.

With each contraction i just imagined waves peaking and then crashing onto the beach & subsiding.. it was really peaceful and helped me to focus.

I just wanted to hold DH's hand (i didn't break it haha!!) and occasionally i'd like him to rub my back to take the pressure off while i was on the birthing ball.

The only time i really liked advice was when it came time to push, it was really encouraging to see the midwives so positive and have so much faith in my body's ability.

I appreciated them helping me with my breathing technique etc.. both bubs were out in 2-5 pushes, so they'd say 'push, push push... ok now breathe baby out calmly, just breathe and let him do the work'

Also one thing i figured out with my 2nd was how much easier it was if i spread my legs as far apart as possible, it took so much pressure etc off and really opened my pelvis up.

I didn't go natural though  

I think it varies greatly woman to woman. Some like to be comforted, have their backs rubbed etc some others (like me) hate to be touched. Just remind her it's pain with a purpose.. this too shall pass.. soon her beautiful baby will be in her arms... nothing more empowering then knowing you gave life esp without the help of drugs (though there is nothing wrong with needing relief!) Most importantly.. she CAN do it. Even if she thinks she can't and says so fifty thousand times... she can.

Quoting ♥ axel sean n me:" <blockquote><b>Quoting -Kaysay-:</b>" My sister is due any moment, and I'm her unofficial ... [snip!] ... comforted you the most? Tia."</blockquote> Not much helped me, any touching or anyone talking to me made me crazy."

This is exactly how I was too, but my sister insists she will want constant comfort, which is why I have no idea what to do.

Quoting Man. Bear. Pig.:" Smack her on the back of the head and tell her to suck it up.... Seriously though, I didnt do natural ... [snip!] ... or whatnot. Keep telling her that she's awesome and a rockstar and her body is doing what it was designed to do. Good luck!"

Bahah, see, that's what I normally would do, but she's too much of a wuss to handle it.  

Quoting NICKEL☮POLIS:" I think it varies greatly woman to woman. Some like to be comforted, have their backs rubbed etc some ... [snip!] ... needing relief!) Most importantly.. she CAN do it. Even if she thinks she can't and says so fifty thousand times... she can."

I totally agree!!

I thought i'd be a total bitch during labour etc - naturally im very opinionated and like to talk a lot  ..

I couldn't believe what happened when i went into labour.. it was actually a nice time to reflect and sort of meditate?

I suppose its like when im sick.. when im really sick i just like to be by myself and to relax in a quiet room without anyone touching me.