Surviving the night.

4 days ago

2 min read

This one goes out to the doulas. Inspired by a recent post I shared on Instagram about the brutality of the 2-5am window while supporting births. I appreciated the commiseration from others, what one doula referred to as her “what should I go back to school for hours” and “doula transition time”. Like how transition in labor can prompt major self-doubt, when people threaten to pack it up and call it quits, as if there was any other way out but through!

I also learned the most amazing thing about the part of our brains that gets activated during these hours if we’re awake, especially when we’re exposed to light during that time. It’s called the Habenula, or the “disappointment nucleus”. It’s the part of our brains that trains us to avoid making the same mistakes by decreasing dopamine which reduces motivation and stimulates feelings of frustration, disappointment, and failure. Sounds about right! Another reason for dimming the lighting in the birth room, which is also a comfort for laboring people.

One of the reasons I so love teaching Comforting Touch for Doulas is to help newer doulas avoid the mistakes so many of us make when we start doing this work. For example learning how to apply better body mechanics while offering hands-on support to keep it sustainable for the long haul.

Because of this passion I wanted to share here a summary of our collective takeaways for surviving those long nights at births, especially for newer doulas looking for tips!

Napping and resting are obviously up there in terms of ways to get through this time. Specifically with clients who are resting themselves, or have an epidural. Do not be shy about needing a break to be horizontal for a bit.
Any personally favorite stretches and restorative poses like “legs up the wall” and constructive rest can also be super supportive for getting through this time.
Consider adding in listening to your favorite relaxing guided meditations, with headphones on of course.
And another great tip for hospital births where heated blankets are available, ask for extras so both you and your clients can enjoy the comfort of their warmth.
Hydration, according to preference. Some prefer something cold like iced herbal tea or water with electrolytes. Sipping on a thermos of hot water or warm tea was also mentioned. I love Calm magnesium powder. Making it a “special beverage” was a great idea for adding in an emotionally uplifting component.
For nourishment, many are helped by avoiding eating during these hours (12-5/6am) when our digestion is especially sluggish, but Probar energy chews were mentioned as a favorite pick me up.
I love this offering by doula Aya Williamson of an all nighter herbal support tincture (caution Licorice and Eleuthero is contraindicated for those with hypertension).
And just like with birth and postpartum, never underestimate the comfort of simply knowing you are not alone, and you’re not the only one!