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what is a good focus item to have during delivery?

I was told by many people that bringing an item to the delivery room to focus on helps like pics of family or a stuffed animal for the baby. I was thinking a photo of my mother would be a great item as she gave birth to three babies all natural and she can be a good inspiration. By focus item I mean one to look at while your screaming you will never have intercourse again and the babies head is crowning.

Public Comments

1. I was filling out my baby book it made the time pass.
2. I brought my iPod full of my absolutely favorite music to the delivery room and several CDs before the iPod came to my life. Music was essential for me. I don't know if it's good for everybody but I recommend it to anyone who wants a distraction and something inspiring at the same time.
3. honestly, anything will work. towards the end of labor i simply focused on a small part of the painting on the wall. and that cute little bunny, or smiling picture just might annoy the hell out of you before you're done! as long as you can focus on something else besides the pain, you're good. but definitely bring whatever will make you feel comfortable, secure and focused. you can always just pick a different focal point. good luck!!
4. If you think the photo will help, absolutely bring it along. I didn't use a focus item, I just squeezed the crap out of my husband's hand and looked down.
5. i didnt have a focus item. my labor progressed wayy too fast for me to have any time to do or think about anything else but getting through the contractions. [i had an all natural labor and delivery.. no epi or gas or anything]. i labored for 6 1/2 hours. i spent the first 4 hours at home getting my bag ready, and the last 2 in the hospital screaming my ass off. if you want to do it natural like your mom did, then its very hard to focus on anything during a contraction.. [its kind of why it took 4 hours for me to pack my bag..]. but if you really want something to focus on then i would suggest the pic of your mom and the clothes your baby is going home in. dont hold any of those items while you're in labor... they might be in pieces by the time you are through. but just put them out where you can see them. when you are at the point of your labor when the pain is so intense that you cant even stand anymore, and you're stuck to ride out your contractions in bed... make sure you dont shut your eyes. shutting your eyes during a contraction is like concentrating on the pain. keep your eyes open and focus on your focus items and breathe deep, slow breaths. good luck!
6. I didnt use an actual focus item. I closed my eyes and pictured my baby in my arms in the pumpkins onesie we had packed for him! I heard a good idea of actually taking the outfit out as a focus item to just think how soon you will be having a baby in that outfit! I think it would be a great idea!
7. Once the actual pushing started, I focused on my stomach and thought how much happier I was going to be when it was normal again. I also focused on all the strangers walking in and out of the room for random glimpses of my hoo-ha. lol Before the pushing, I was staring at the pictures of fish and seashells over my head. I live in Hawaii, and I thought it was nice that they thought of decorating the ceiling. To be honest, I had an epidural, so it was easy to focus just on pushing and seeing my little girl. A picture of your mom sounds like a great idea though. I bet it would be nice to have a little inspiration from the photo.