Strong, established labour can be difficult to deal with. It is no wonder that so many women become quite irritable and demanding, in the final hours of this process. (Although, there are a few women who will be 'polite' to all until the birth!) If the woman has had pain relief, then this will be more likely. But more often than not, the woman will take on another persona, as she puts all her effort into the labour.
Unfortunately, her demands and grievances are usually directed towards her partner or support person (the caregivers normally escape it!). As they say, you hurt the ones you love! To give you an idea of what may be expected at this time, the following are some words from many labouring women.
"Turn that music off!"
"Your breath smells, I can smell cigarettes, I'm going to be sick!"
"NO, don't rub there. Don't touch me, it's too hot!"
"Don't leave me. Where are you? No you can't go to the toilet!"
"Can you ask her to leave the room?"
"Tell my mother I'll ring her when it's over!"
"Look what you've done to me! I never want you to touch me again!"
"I can't stand it I want a Caesarean / Episiotomy / a Gun!"(Hopefully no one will meet any of these requests unnecessarily!)
"Do I have to move?"
"Don't tell me I'm doing well or it will come soon. I'm sick of you telling me that!"
"I'm cold. No get that blanket off. Turn that fan on. The heat pack's not hot enough. I'm shaking."
"Don't tell me what I need!"
"What would you know? Have you ever had a baby?"
"I don't care what the birth plan says!" |
Like the noises of labour, exclamations like this are usually forms of release. Some women will even become physically violent, kicking and hitting if someone trespasses their space.