The Tongue Trick During Labor: What It Is and How It Can Help You Relax

Introduction to The Tongue Trick During Labor

If there’s one thing every birthing person can agree on, it’s that labor is intense. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been through it before, you’re always looking for ways to stay calm and manage the experience. That’s where the tongue trick comes in—a super simple, yet surprisingly effective technique that helps you relax by easing tension in your body.

I know, it sounds almost too easy, right? But hear me out: this little trick has a real mind-body connection going on, and when you’re in the throes of labor, anything that helps you stay grounded is worth a shot. Let’s dive into what this trick is, how to do it, and why it might just become one of your go-to tools during birth.

Understanding the Tongue Trick

The tongue trick is pretty much exactly what it sounds like—it involves using your tongue to help your body relax. Weird? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely.

Here’s how it works: when you place the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth (right behind your front teeth) and keep your jaw loose, it signals your body to relax. There’s a fascinating connection between your jaw and your pelvic floor, meaning that tension in one often causes tension in the other. So, by releasing tension in your jaw, you’re indirectly helping your pelvic floor relax—pretty important during labor, don’t you think?

I once heard a midwife say, “Loose jaw, loose bottom.” Funny, but true. This technique is all about helping things open up and flow naturally, which is kind of the whole point of labor, right?

The Science Behind Jaw and Pelvic Floor Connection

Okay, let’s talk science for a second (but I promise not to get too technical). The jaw and pelvic floor are connected through fascia—a web of connective tissue running throughout your body. When you clench your jaw, it can create tension in other parts of your body, including your pelvis.

Think about it: when you’re stressed or in pain, what’s one of the first things you do? You clench your jaw. That tension radiates through your body and can make contractions feel even more overwhelming. Relaxing your jaw with the tongue trick helps break that cycle, allowing your body to work with the process instead of against it.

And honestly, anything that helps your body work smarter, not harder, is a win in my book.

How to Perform the Tongue Trick

Now that you know why this trick works, let’s talk about how to actually do it. The beauty of the tongue trick is that it’s incredibly easy and can be done anywhere, anytime.

1. Position Your Tongue: Lightly place the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth, just behind your top front teeth.

2. Breathe Deeply: Inhale deeply through your nose, letting your belly rise.

3. Relax as You Exhale: Slowly exhale through your mouth while keeping your tongue in place. Focus on relaxing your jaw and shoulders.

4. Repeat: Keep this pattern going, especially during contractions. Over time, it becomes second nature—kind of like your personal birth mantra.

Pro tip: Practicing during pregnancy can make it easier to remember when things get intense. Plus, it’s a great relaxation exercise for everyday stress, not just labor.

Benefits of the Tongue Trick During Labor

So, why bother with this whole tongue-on-the-roof-of-your-mouth thing? Turns out, there are plenty of reasons:

• It Promotes Relaxation: By relaxing your jaw, you’re encouraging your whole body to stay calm. And calm is key when you’re trying to ride those labor waves.

• Better Breathing: The tongue trick naturally pairs with deep breathing, which helps keep oxygen flowing to both you and your baby.

• It’s a Natural Pain-Relief Tool: When you’re relaxed, your body produces more oxytocin—the hormone that helps labor progress—and less adrenaline, which can stall labor. Less tension means less perceived pain.

• Helps Labor Progress: Keeping your pelvic floor loose and relaxed allows the baby to move down more easily, potentially speeding up labor.

Integrating the Tongue Trick with Other Relaxation Techniques

Want to get the most out of the tongue trick? Combine it with other tried-and-true relaxation methods:

• Pair It with Deep Breathing: Focused breathing—especially the kind that involves long exhales—works beautifully with the tongue trick.

• Add Visualization: Picture something calming, like waves gently rolling onto a beach, while you practice the tongue trick. It’s like a mental escape.

• Massage and Touch: If you’ve got a partner or doula on hand, gentle massage (especially on your jaw, shoulders, or lower back) can work wonders when paired with this technique.

Remember, it’s all about finding what feels good for you. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to labor, so mix and match until you find your groove.

Conclusion

The tongue trick might seem simple, but sometimes it’s the simplest things that make the biggest difference. By keeping your jaw relaxed, you’re helping your entire body work more efficiently during labor. And who doesn’t want that?

If you’d like more personalized tips or want to chat about how we can support your birth experience, don’t hesitate to reach out to Nets, here, at Fruit of the Womb. We’re here to help make your journey as smooth and empowered as possible.

FAQs

1. Is the tongue trick easy to learn?

Yes! It’s one of the easiest techniques you can try. Practice during pregnancy so it feels natural when labor begins.

2. Can the tongue trick replace pain medications?

It’s not a replacement for medical pain relief but can be a great tool to complement whatever pain management approach you choose.

3. How early should I start practicing the tongue trick?

You can start as early as you’d like during pregnancy. It doubles as a great stress-relief tool even before labor!

4. Can my partner help me remember the tongue trick during labor?

Absolutely. Encourage your partner to remind you if they notice tension in your jaw—they can even practice with you beforehand.

5. Does the tongue trick work for everyone?

Most people find it helpful, but like any technique, results can vary. It’s all about what feels right for your body.

About the Author, Tori T.

Tori is a Reiki Master, yogi, and healer, certified in sound, color, and crystal therapies. With a passion for holistic wellness, she combines ancient wisdom with modern practices to guide individuals on their journey to balance and harmony. Through her work, Tori aims to inspire and empower others to achieve their highest potential.