For these past few weeks, we’ve been discussing unusual labor tools. Household items that you may not immediately associate with coping tools during pregnancy, labor and birth. Installment four is all about the sachet filled with flaxseed! (The reason we’re discussing flaxseed and not rice, or dried corn is that flaxseed retains temperature longer and conforms to the body’s natural curvatures better, though other grains can also be used.)
Scenario 1: the nausea has hit. It’s hot. You’re hot. You want relief, but these ice chips aren’t cutting it. What’s another option? Frozen flaxseed sachet! Prior to labor beginning, you’ll want to fill a tube sock, or sew a rectangular sachet, if you’re crafty, with flaxseed and place it in the freezer. When the nausea hits, you can place the homemade cold pack on the back of your neck or at the front and partly on your chest. This will cool you faster than ice and will retain its temperature better than a cool, wet washcloth.
Scenario 2: you’re dealing with a lot of back pain, but you don’t want the distraction of hands pressing on your back or hips. What can you do? Flaxseed! Again, have a sock or homemade rectangular pillow filled with flaxseed, place it in the microwave for 30 seconds. Laying this across your back like a heating pad will help with the intensity of the pain and allow you to quickly place it or remove it as you need to.
Scenario 3: the hormone headache! As your body goes through pregnancy and labor, there are loads of hormones being dumped into your system. When you have a hormone being pumped into your body that your eyes are reacting poorly to you may find that either a heated or chilled flaxseed sachet is perfect for helping relieve that tension behind your eyes.
What are your thoughts on flaxseed for pregnancy, labor and birth? Will you be filling a sock or two with this grain for heating and/or cooling benefits? Do you prefer the feel of rice, dried corn or flaxseed for your hot and cold packs? And which is your go-to for pain relief: hot or cold?
DoulaWise 