If you need to labor with an IV pole for whatever reason, it can be helpful to know how to labor with an IV pole to still facilitate that freedom of movement that helps with labor comfort.
Why would you need an IV pole during labor?
Maybe your labor is being augmented with Pitocin; this would receive you to have an IV pole and probably also be continuously monitored. If you’re dehydrated and need some additional fluids or you’re receiving fluids while waiting to receive an epidural; since epidurals can cause a drop in your blood pressure, it is typically required that you receive fluids prior to being administered an epidural. With this delay in the epidural, you’ll probably want to move some to help with labor comfort. Or maybe, you’re GBS+ and consented to receiving antibiotics, in which you’ll need an IV pole! (Side note, recommend fluids with antibiotics to help with the burning feeling that comes with it).
What are our tips to labor with an IV Pole?
The pole moves, so it can move with you. The pole can be unplugged and will maintain a charge for a period of time. It usually alerts you if the charge is low, so if that is the case, move back towards an outlet. But you can move around with the pole! Unsure how to unplug it? Ask your nurse!
Assign someone to be the designated pole mover, aka probably your birth partner. It is much easier when someone else maneuvers the pole for you! It’s not difficult to move around, but it’s one less thing for you to worry about if someone else is handling the maneuvering.
Be mindful of the cords! You are attached to the pole, so remember that when moving around! I’d also assign this task of worrying about your cords to your IV pole mover.
You can be detached from the pole once your fluids/medication has been administered! Make sure you ask about this or request to have the pole removed once you’re done with whatever you were receiving!
What if you have to be continuously monitored??
You DO NOT need to stay in the bed because you are being monitored. It is definitely easier to monitor when you are laying still in bed; sometimes hip flexion can push the monitors around. BUT you do not need to stay in the bed if it is not where you want to labor. Get up and MOVE! You can stand next to the bed; squat; sit on the ball. Movement is definitely possible!
Ask if you can unhook if baby looks good! Sometimes the staff will let you unhook from the monitor to go to the restroom or try the shower for some comfort. It doesn’t hurt to ask!! And doesn’t hurt to ask multiple times, you may find a YES after a few nos as the shifts change or the staff feels more comfortable with how baby is looking! Communication is key!
Ask for a wireless monitor! Do they have them? If so, can you have them?!