QUOTE : woman to do well with labor: Be sure to rub exactly where it aches. Obviously, she will be able to tell you just where that is. The spot is not in the small of the back nor all the way down at the tailbone, but usually somewhere in between. You should rub this spot in a small, tight circle. She will tell you just where to rub, and she is the one to please. The heel of your hand or the front of your fist usually works best for this back rub. You may find it helpful to wrap your hand in a soft cloth, like an old T-shirt. Have your hand in place before the contraction starts. Don’t wait for her to tell you the contraction is under way and then try to put your hand on her back. That’s sloppy. It is exactly what the untrained husband does when trying to help his wife, and it’s exactly why she tells him to leave her alone. Rub with a slow, steady rhythm in one direction. If you break the rhythm it distracts her attention immediately and she may snap at you. Press your hand firmly into the back and then rotate it in a circular motion. Do not slide your hand over her skin. That is irritating and will soon leave a raw feeling. Press inward—it will require a lot of pressure—and let the skin move with your hand in that circular motion. This is a deep massage.