An Occasional Series: Tips to make Labor more Comfortable – Looking like a Pirate

This is the first of an occasional series on Tips to make Labor more Comfortable. 

Alright, so this one looks a bit funny, especially with my long scarves (rebozos) on their heads. I call it “lookin’ like a pirate”, because well, you do look like a pirate. I did have one couple mention, recently, that it made them feel like they were at Pennsic… but that’s a whole other story out of my past.

How to:

• Take a scarf, of appropriate length place at eyebrow level in a straight line. Hold there.
• Wrap scarf around the back of the head to the nape of the neck.
• Tie it really rather tightly.
• Voila! You look like a pirate!

Why?

• This is most commonly used to help relieve tension headaches.
• It helps alleviate tension – tension causes pain, or pain causes tension – thus the application of the scarf on the head helps you feel better. This refers to the Fear-Tension-Pain cycle as suggested by Dr. Grantly Dick-Read.
• It also has a calming effect. With autistic kiddos (like my Asperger’s son) we use pressure techniques to help calm and settle them. This is but one of many pressure techniques. If it works for them, it will work for you.

When?

• Anytime! Early labor, active labor, pushing, even during a c-section.

Note:

• Both mom and dad can get stressed and feel tension during labor and birth. Feel free to use this for both of you. I’ve had dads tell me they like this so much, they don’t want to take it off!

Arrr Matey!