Laboring/Birthing with almost no sleep?

[NettleTea]

With my last birth I labored and birthed on only 4 hours of sleep. Not intended, of course. Just wasn't expecting labor to start that soon. This time I would like to be a bit better prepared in case I end up in the same situation. Does anyone have any experience with this? Any tips?

[Kidzaplenty]

I tend to labor and birth with little to no sleep. This birth, I had not slept for more than two consecutive hours in days and then did not get any sleep the night before the birth at all (with only the occasional dozing between 2-5 minute apart contractions).

It was hard, but I got through it. I find that if I doze between contactions for a bit I get a second wind.

[jeminijad]

This is a big concern of mine... my tolerance for pain plunges as I run through my energy reserves, and I need my sleep.

[gardenmommy]

I've done it 3 times, simply because of the time of my labor. I guess I've done what the PP said, and dozed between ctx., as much as possible. It worked, although I was very tired at the end of it all. Also, having some energy drinks helps: something like gatorade (not necessarily that particular product), honey sticks, etc. to replenish your reserves can help tremendously. As tempting as it is to try to get everything done before your birth, don't do it! Make sure you rest every single day, even if it is just 30 minutes on the couch with your feet up. Your body needs every bit of rest it can get when you are gearing up for labor. Eat only nutritious, high-protein foods, not sugary junk foods. I have no idea how it does it, but a mama's body is amazingly resilient and able to birth in the most extraordinary circumstances.

[SalmonBayDoula]

i always tell my clients to try and nap a couple of hours the last weeks just to "have some extra sleep in the bank" in case.

i often say, we would be okay if labor begins at 9 am in the morning after a good night of sleep, but if often begins at 11 pm at night after a crappy day at work!

being well rested, well nourished and well hydrated go a long way. ignoring labor and "doing life" until you can't is helpful, resting until you must do something else!

labor gives you lots of hormones that allow a woman to be so strong and powerful! but being rested helps!

a good nap will help a ton, and not staying up late and pushing things is a great idea, going to bed on the early side every night!

just for a short time, then babe will be here! but every bit helps!

Sharon

[Nicole730]

Well I know one thing I will be doing differently this time around...if my water breaks at 1am again - I will go back to sleep! Not stay up waiting to see if I have contractions, which didn't start the next day until 4:30pm, right as I was falling asleep for the first time since 1am!

[Lizbiz]

I've never been rested.

I:
1. eat well
2. pace myself
3. nap in early labor (or at least lie down)
4. change labor positions to rest muscle groups
5. labor lying down (if I can stand it)
6. constantly sip fluids

[NettleTea]

great tips. thanks everyone. : )