1. Best Start - Prenatal Education Program Comfort Measures

2. Story Anna Domenic

3. Why Labour Hurts

4. Gate Control Theory

5. Your Labour Support Team

6. Coach’s Corner

8. Relaxation, Touch & Massage

10. Position Changes

11. Birthing Ball

12. Relieving Back Labour

14. Sterile Water Injections (Sterile Water Block) TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation). Injection site

15. Self-help Strategies Focusing attention Vocalization Imagery and visualization Positive self talk Personal coping skills

16. Breathing Patterns

17. Slow Breathing Breathe slowly and rhythmically in through the nose and out through the mouth. the mouth.

18. Fun with Ice

19. Light (shallow) Breathing Take light (shallow) breaths in and out of your mouth. out of your mouth.

20. Pant-pant-blow Breathing Take short quick breaths in and out of your mouth. out of your mouth.

21. Pushing

23. Event Training Schedule Establish a timetable Vary your training Prepare your mind for the race Pace yourself Take care of yourself Have your stuff ready Enjoy yourself

24. Additional Resources Health care provider Public health unit Community health centre Local hospital or birth centre Certified Doula The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (www.sogc.org)

25. This Best Start Resource Centre teaching tool was developed with input from a wide range of individuals from these organizations of individuals from these organizations

26. This document has been prepared with funds provided by the Government of Ontario © 2011 www.beststart.org The information represents the best practice guidelines at the time of publication. The content is not officially endorsed by the Government of Ontario. Consult your health care provider for information specific to your pregnancy.