Rainbow Technique

What is the rainbow technique?

The Rainbow is a visualization technique in which the mother imagines objects of a specific color. This can be done as a guided imagery, or by the mother alone.

Why does the rainbow technique work?

The Rainbow is a distraction technique that will keep the mothers mind focused on one thing, reducing the amount of fear and tension she will experience.

How do I do the rainbow technique?

Tell the mother to close her eyes and picture something red. Then slowly tell her that it is becoming orange, then yellow and so on.

As you practice this technique during pregnancy, pay attention to the effect of the individual colors. Some colors may actually increase the mother's tension.

This technique is easily adapted for use during a series of contractions, or for only one.

Some sample Rainbow techniques:

"Imagine something red. It is bright red. Red. It is slowly changing to orange. It is now bright orange."

"Imagine a rose. It is a beautiful red rose. The bloom is full and soft. The red is deepening, darkening. The rose is becoming purple. It is deep purple."

"Imagine a blueberry. A dark blue blueberry; Juicy and sweet; it is growing and lightening; it is turning green; now it is a plump lime."

What would you like next?

Read some Sample Birth Plans and get information to help put your birth plan together.

Learn how exercise in pregnancy can shorten your labor.

Learn ways to handle Childbirth Challenges.

Discover the secrets of being emotionally prepared for labor.

Find easy meal ideas.