Early first stage labor can last for several hours, which may sound scary at first, until a mother remembers that early labor contractions are usually very mild and spaced further apart. You aren't considered to be "in labor" (meaning active labor) until 4 cm so before that point there is little reason to leave for a birthing center, hospital or have the midwife present.

Unless you have reason to suspect a fast labor, the ACOG recommendation is for mothers in early labor to remain at home. The ACOG Education Pamphlet "You and Your Baby" says, " While you wait at home, rest if you can. Some women may find it more comfortable to walk around or to take a shower or warm bath."

Often the best course of action is to continue on with a normal routine for as long as you feel comfortable. If there is a dad, partner, doula, or friend, they can help with distracting the mother.

Here are some other ideas for what a mother, and her partner, can do to help during early labor:

~ Eat and drink to stay well hydrated.
~ Watch a funny movie. Often keeping her mind focused on something else will allow the baby to get into a good position before active labor begins.
~ Encourage her to empty her bladder. A full bladder will cause more discomfort during the contractions.
~ Draw a bath or shower.
~ Go for a walk.
~ Put together a puzzle.
~ Play cards or a board game.
~ Clean up that one last area of the house that has been bugging you.
~ Take one last belly picture.
~ Make sure you've packed everything you need to pack if you will be leaving home for the birth.
~ Get out of the house! Sometimes a change of scenery is relaxing and I know one couple that went to a shopping mall during early labor for some window shopping. Just don't go too far from home in case the mother-to-be wants to come home and rest.

As you can see, much of early labor is helping the mother stay well-fed, well-rested and helping to prevent boredom or frustration while waiting for active labor to begin.

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The Nurturing Touch is a handbook with several ideas for how to help cope with labor.