Pushing a baby out can be hard physical work. Heat and cold packs, warm compresses or using the shower or the bath are effective forms of pain relief and can be very soothing if used at different times throughout the 2nd stage of the labour. They can be used separately or together.
Heat or cold packs
Warm compresses
Shower
Bath
Heat or cold packs. Heat packs can be easily placed where she directs you, during the resting or active pushing phases, usually on the lower back, thighs, lower belly or groin. You can use them in the shower or bath as well.
It is important to make sure you wrap heat packs in a towel or pillowcase to avoid burning her. Women often want the packs quite hot and may be unaware of being burnt until the next day, because of the intensity of the contractions. Care should be taken particularly if she has had pain relief, as she won't be as sensitive to feeling the heat or being burnt.
Try removing the heat pack between contractions as this can reduce the chances of burning her and add to their effectiveness when the pain starts. For more information on types of heat packs you may to wish revise or read
how to make up heat packs.
A cold pack, iced wet flannel or water spray applied gently to her face or the back of her neck can be a great relief. It can also assist in cooling her down from the physical pushing and panting of the 2nd stage or if she is feeling warm and flushed in the bath.
Warm compresses. To help with the discomfort and burning of her perineum and anus you can offer her a warm, wet (but wrung so it is not dripping) flannel or nappy, which you or your caregiver can place onto her perineum and / or anus. Taking care if she is opening her bowels to either change the flannel or keep the motions away from her vagina. The firm warm pressure can help her to push and often helps women who are feeling vulnerable when all the focus is on their vagina.