Sounds

Making sounds in labour can help women to allow the birth canal to open. Not all women want to make noise, but encourage women to try. Low sounds, like growling animal noises or humming, can be very helpful. Some women chant or sing. The woman can be as loud as she wants to be.

Some noises can make women feel more tense. High-pitched sounds and screams usually do not help. If she starts to make high, tense sounds, ask her to make low sounds (Figure 3.4).