Comfort Measures Utilized During Labor and Delivery

Labor is intense, powerful, and deeply personal. While every birth unfolds differently, one thing remains constant: comfort matters. As a birth doula, my role is to offer continuous, hands-on support that helps birthing people feel safe, grounded, and supported — physically and emotionally.

Comfort measures are not about “taking pain away.” They are about helping your body work with labor, easing tension, promoting progress, and creating a sense of calm and confidence.

Don’t worry. A broom has not made it into my repertoire yet. Instead, let me share with you some of the key comfort measures I utilize during labor and delivery, and how they support the birth process.

Hands-On Support & Touch

One of the most effective comfort tools is simply skilled, supportive touch.

• Counterpressure

  • Firm pressure applied to the lower back, hips, or sacrum can be incredibly relieving, especially during back labor. Counterpressure helps reduce discomfort and offers grounding during intense contractions.

• Massage

  • Gentle or deep massage helps release tension in the shoulders, back, hips, and legs. Relaxed muscles allow labor to flow more smoothly and can reduce overall fatigue.

• Side Touch

  • I have you lay on your side. I (or your support person) lays hands one behind the other moving down from your neck to you feet and back up. This helps bring relaxation and can put you to sleep.

Movement & Positioning

Movement is one of the most powerful tools in labor. Changing positions encourages comfort, helps baby move into optimal positioning, and can support labor progress.

Some positions I commonly support include:

• Upright positions (standing, swaying, leaning)

• Hands-and-knees or forward-leaning positions

• Side-lying for rest and slower-paced labors

• Squatting or supported lunges

• Dilation Station (sitting on the toilet)

Breathing & Focus Techniques

Breathing and mental focus play a huge role in coping with contractions.

• Guided breathing

  • Slow, rhythmic breathing helps regulate the nervous system, lowers tension, and provides something steady to focus on during contractions.

• Visualization & grounding

  • Using imagery, affirmations, or grounding techniques can help manage fear and bring a sense of control and calm, especially during longer or more intense labors.

Heat & Cold Therapy

Temperature-based comfort can be surprisingly effective.

• Heat (warm compresses, heating pads) helps relax tight muscles and soothe soreness.

• Cold (cool cloths or packs) can be refreshing, reduce inflammation, and support comfort during pushing or long labors.

These tools are only used with approval from medical staff and not for long periods of time.

Rebozo & Gentle Body Work

A rebozo (a long woven scarf) can be used for:

• Gentle hip sifting

• Belly support

• Relaxation between contractions

• Encouraging optimal fetal positioning

Creating a Supportive Birth Environment

Comfort is not just physical — the environment matters too. A calmer environment can help labor hormones flow more effectively.

I help create a space that feels calmer and more grounded by:

• Encouraging dim lighting or soft light

• Supporting music, silence, or sound preferences

• Offering reassurance and steady presence

• Helping reduce unnecessary distractions when possible

Emotional Support & Reassurance

One of the most important comfort measures I provide does not require any tools at all. Labor can bring moments of doubt, fear, or vulnerability. Feeling supported and safe can significantly impact how labor is experienced. I offer:

• Continuous reassurance

• Calm, confident presence

• Gentle reminders of strength and progress

• Emotional validation without judgment

Support for All Types of Births

Comfort measures are not only for unmedicated births. Comfort looks different for every birth, and my role is to adapt to your needs and choices in real time. I support comfort and coping, whether labor includes:

• Epidurals

• Inductions

• Augmentations

• Planned or unplanned Cesareans

Comfort measures are not a one-size-fits-all approach. As a doula, I continuously observe, listen, and adjust — offering what is needed in each moment. My goal is to help you feel supported, informed, and confident in your body and your choices.

Birth is powerful work. You don’t have to do it alone.