Comfort Measures for Childbirth

Comfort Measures for Childbirth: "Penny Simkin introduces her DVD by stating that her intent is to demonstrate techniques to help laboring women cope with their pain and hence alleviate the concept of suffering. Simkin gives a brief overview of her belief in the 3Rs—Relaxation, Rhythm, and Ritual—and their role in pain management, along with a supportive partner, and a little luck! The organization of the remainder of the DVD is clear and logical, with four distinct sections: 1) basic relaxation and rhythmic breathing; 2) comfort measures, devices, and positions; 3) techniques for back pain and labor progression; and 4) positions and techniques for squatting and birth. Simkin begins each section with a brief introduction. Videos and photographs of actual labors demonstrate the techniques being used. This DVD replaces Simkin's 1995 video of the same name. The DVD is both extended and enhanced, with a seemingly daunting running time of 91 minutes. However, the user-friendly menu allows the viewer to access each section or even each position or technique individually."