• Natural pain relief techniques during labor

    Date: 2010.08.07 | Category: Birth | Tags: ,,,,,

    Yesterday, I discussed the many risks of epidural anesthesia, which has become such a wide-spread pain relief method in childbirth that many women think it is their only option. Today, we will take a look at other pain relief techniques during labor. There are many proactive steps a laboring woman can undertake to gain relief from the pain that sometimes comes with contractions. Many of them are simple and common-sense. Here are some things any woman can do to make her labor and birth a more pleasant, and less painful experience.

    1) Preparing for birth by reading about the normal physiology of labor, and reading the birth stories of women who have gone before you. How does this provide pain relief? I hear you asking this question!  Fear is a powerful force, and being afraid of labor  and pain in childbirth can make anyone tense, thereby causing more pain. Knowing what to expect can reduce any fears you may have, because the unknown is always more frightening.

    2) While we are on the topic of fear, I’ll say that I I strongly believe laboring and birthing is a supportive environment is extremely important. If you feel safe and supported, your labor is more likely to proceed smoothly. Whether that means your home, a birth center, or a hospital, the birthing location you feel provides the best environment is certainly going to help you feel at ease.

    3) Changing positions at will, and walking around, as guided by a woman’s instincts. I certainly found that certain positions were causing more pain than others, and the positions that were most comfortable for me changed throughout my labors. Most women instinctively feel what positions are most comfortable for them, but if nothing seems comfortable, moving around continuously might be the best. Try sitting, standing, walking, lying down, curling up… anything you can think of. This is important during the birth itself as well as throughout labor.

    4) In early labor, distraction can be a wonderful pain relief tool. Chatting to friends on the phone or in person, watching television, reading a book, cooking or even grocery shopping are all great things to do in early labor.

    5) Water provides a lot of pain relief for many women in labor. Those who have access to a birthing pool are likely to want to stay in the pool for a while at least, but even women without access to a birth tub can take a shower or use their regular bathtub. Some women report that being in the water slows their contractions down or even makes them stop for a while. If you feel that being in the water is slowing things down, perhaps it’s time to try laboring on land.

    6) Hypnobabies and similar programs offer self-hypnotic techniques, that work through positive affirmations. Think “My cervix will open smoothly”, and “I am welcoming the surges that will bring my baby into the world”. I have never tried this myself, but they work for many women and are hugely adaptable to your personal needs and philosophy.

    7) Massaging the perineum and providing counter pressure can help a great deal as a baby is crowning. Some women massage the perineum for a few weeks before they are expecting their baby, to soften the surrounding tissue.

    8) Eating and drinking at will during labor helps you stay hydrated and energetic, and can distract you from your contractions too.

    9) Breathing techniques designed for contractions and pushing are a great help to many women. You can learn these from a midwife, or through a prenatal class.

    Do you have anything else to add? I would love to hear what works for you to relieve pain in labor.