5 Things worth the money: Labor & delivery

Contuing the TikTok trend, here are:

5 Things Worth the Money - Labor & Delivery Edition

A useful, yet simple, item I recommend is a birth comb as a non-medication comfort measure during labor. It is exactly what it sounds like—a comb, just a little sturdier so it doesn’t snap easily when squeezed. The idea behind using a birth comb is to give your brain another sensation to focus on during contractions. According to the Gate Control Theory of Pain, non-painful input may help interfere with or reduce the perception of pain signals traveling to the brain.

To use one, place the comb in your hand with the teeth pressing into your palm. As you feel a contraction beginning, squeeze the comb and adjust the pressure to what feels comfortable for you. As the contraction fades, release your grip. A birth comb may also help with anxiety by giving the laboring person something they can actively control during a contraction. You control the pressure, and you can stop whenever you want.

Staying hydrated is important during pregnancy, and it continues to be important during labor. Having a reusable water bottle with a straw can make it much easier to take small sips throughout the process, especially when you don't feel like sitting up or changing positions. Your nurses can usually show your support person where to refill your water and ice as needed. Along with staying hydrated, remember to empty your bladder regularly unless you have a catheter. A full bladder can become uncomfortable during labor and may interfere with baby's ability to move lower into the pelvis.

Hospital policies regarding eating and drinking during labor can vary, particularly depending on your individual circumstances and whether certain medications or procedures are involved. Ask your care team what you're able to eat and drink during your labor.

My personal favorite labor tool is a peanut ball! Most people are familiar with the traditional round birth or exercise ball, but a peanut ball is especially useful when you're resting in bed or have limited mobility, including after receiving an epidural. There are several positions you can try with a peanut ball. It can be placed between your legs while side-lying, used to support different leg positions, or incorporated into hands-and-knees and other labor positions. Changing positions with a peanut ball can help create space in the pelvis, encourage baby's movement and descent, and provide additional comfort during labor.

Many hospitals already have peanut balls available, so before buying your own, ask your birth facility if they provide them. And if you're already in labor, then ask your nurse!

An often-overlooked item for your hospital bag is an extra-long phone charger for yourself and your support person. The outlets closest to your bed may already be occupied by medical equipment, and you don't want to spend your entire labor stretching across the room trying to reach your phone. I personally recommend a 10-foot charger to give yourself plenty of length.

Labor can sometimes be a lengthy process, so keeping your phone charged allows you to stay entertained during downtime, play music, take pictures, and give updates to family and friends.

Lastly, I recommend having massage balls available for your doula or support person to use if massage feels good to you during labor. Massage balls can be used on areas of the body that feel tight, sore, or tense. I especially love using them around the hips and lower back to provide counterpressure and help relieve tension during contractions.

They're also helpful for your support team! Providing massage with bare hands for hours can get tiring, and massage balls allow your support person or doula to apply consistent pressure without wearing out their hands.

You don't need to bring your entire house with you to have a supported labor experience. Sometimes the simplest tools can make the biggest difference in helping you stay comfortable, hydrated, mobile, and supported.

And remember: what feels amazing to one person during labor may be completely irritating to someone else. Try different comfort measures, listen to your body, and keep the tools that work for you.

Have you used any of these during labor? What would you add to the list?