The Bump: How to Use All the Labor Props and Bed Features Available to You
Jaime Duesenberg, L&D RN, has been an Aya travel nurse since October 2018. She is currently in Tennessee, which is her 10th state, on her 14th assignment.
Jamie discussed her experience to help women prepare for labor and delivery.
What are the unique features of a hospital birthing bed?
Birthing beds can vary slightly from hospital to hospital. However, she says, “All birthing beds have siderails, stirrups and the ability to adjust the height and position.” She adds that birthing beds are designed “to have the patient be in the most ideal position for birthing,” allowing doctors and nurses to ensure baby’s delivered in the safest way possible.
How and when to use labor grips during labor and delivery?
When she had her baby, she used the grips for leverage to help with pushing.
How and when to use the squat bar during labor and delivery?
Duesenberg notes that the squat bar is a particularly good tool for someone who’s having an unmedicated birth. “Using the squat bar helps give you the ability to relax and sit in a different position to help bring baby down and relieve pressure during contractions,” she says.
How and when to use the stirrups during labor and delivery?
“The most well-known use [of stirrups] is to hold the legs of a patient who received an epidural while they’re pushing,” says Duesenberg. She adds that stirrups can help the pelvis remain in a good laboring position if you need to take a break.
Additionally, Duesenberg says some of the hospitals she’s worked at have even offered aromatherapy to help ease nausea and relax the patient. She also likes birthing combs, which “reduce stress and distract the [birthing parent] from the pain of contractions.”
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