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13 Natural Pain Relief Options For Labour

Informing yourself and opting for natural methods of pain relief during labour makes so much sense.

After having spent so much time during pregnancy avoiding medications, there’s a smorgasbord offered to you when you are in labour!

It’s really important to carefully consider medication use during labour.

Not only are there risks for you and your baby, but your baby can have a hard time eliminating drugs from his system.

An example of this is pethidine, a narcotic which crosses the placenta freely.

Norpethidine (an active metabolite of pethidine) can accumulate in mother and baby, and has a half-life of around 20. 5 hours!

Some other studies report even longer.

Pethidine can be detrimental to respiration (baby’s breathing) and breastfeeding attachment, because baby can be born quite sleepy.

Babies can be given medication to reverse the effects of the drug on their system, but it’s not ideal.

Rest assured, with some good support and tools, labour doesn’t have to be like that at all.

Below are some known and proven ways to help relieve pain in labour.

Having these things tucked away in your birth toolbox could significantly help you during labour.

Perhaps they might be the very things that get you through, without the need for any pharmaceutical pain relief.

Natural Pain Relief Option #1: Doulas

“I found one of the best forms of pain relief during labour was definitely our doula. Whilst I may have had different techniques to help me through labour pains, my doula was the one who helped me to find the best method of drug free relief for the stage of birth I was at. The support she offered throughout also helped me to stay focused which in itself is pain relief, as stress only leads to pain and she was able to help me keep calm.”

According to many studies, women who use doulas have fewer requests for epidurals, fewer c-sections and are less likely to require forceps or vacuum births (amongst many other things).

In a recent review of all available doula studies, it was concluded that doulas were more effective at supporting a woman than hospital staff or the woman’s friends or family.

This is likely because a doula provides a trifecta of care which no other person present in a hospital birth room can provide.

These are:

• Continuous care – she doesn’t leave your side for shift changes (there are 3 in a 24 hour period)
• Experienced in birth and is trained in support skills
• Familiar – she known to the woman.

Many studies tell us that having a doula present at your birth will make it less likely that you’ll want or ask for pain relief.

A doula is trained in the art of birth support, where she learns about helpful positions, support methods and tools to help labouring women feel more comfortable and feel more supported.

To read more about doulas.

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Natural Pain Relief Option #2: Water

“I would have to say hot showers running on the lower back was my favourite during labour, I can’t recommend it enough! I had 6 or so showers and didn’t want to get out but, I was worried about water usage, because they had a sign up in the shower. Next time, i’m not getting out!”

Water immersion in labour offers significant benefits for the labouring woman, including pain relief, relaxation and comfort.

According to a Cochrane database review:

“Water immersion during the first stage of labour significantly reduces epidural/spinal analgesia requirements and reported maternal pain, without adversely affecting labour duration, operative delivery rates, or neonatal wellbeing. Immersion in water during the second stage of labour increased women’s reported satisfaction with pushing.”

The first stage of labour is the contractions prior to pushing – pushing is second stage.

Most midwives and birth attendants will recommend getting into the bath once you are in active labour.

Being in a bath creates buoyancy and you want to work with gravity in early labour to make sure the labour isn’t going to stall.

Showers are also great, as you can remain upright and direct the shower head at your lower back if you have back pain.

Even if you think you aren’t a shower person, in labour, many women choose to use the shower and some spend a great deal of their labours under the shower.

There are also many benefits for babies born in water.

Andrew Davidson is an Obstetrician at John Flynn Hospital in Queensland. He says around 40% of women at the hospital use water immersion for labour.

Birth satisfaction amongst those who waterbirth is very high.

He states: “There is a much reduced usage of analgesia in the waterbirth group with no epidurals, very few women using narcotics, while about half use nitrous oxide (gas). Waterborn babies tend to breathe quietly at first rather than cry but in our experience do not have lower Apgars or require more resuscitation.”

For more information on waterbirth, Janet Balaskas has a great book, ‘The Water Birth Book.’

Sadly not many hospitals offer waterbirth so you need to do your research. Mainly birth centres offer this option, or you can waterbirth at home with your own midwife.

“My absolute fave (natural pain relief method) is the bath – instant relief. I won’t ever birth out of one again.”

“For me it was being in the shower, not just because the warm water helps with physical pain but also from a psychological perspective being a hot shower always makes me feel safer and more relaxed. Even when I’m not in labour it’s great stress relief.”

“The bath helped me the most, especially because I had a posterior (backache) labour. I had all the pain in my back as well as my tummy. So having my belly and back submerged in the warm water really helped a lot.”

Natural Pain Relief Option #3: Calmbirthing/HypnoBirthing

Learning how to relax is so important in labour, otherwise you end up in the vicious cycle of fear → tension → pain.

When you tense up and get tight (which is a natural reaction to any sort of pain) it actually makes that pain worse.

With Calmbirth, you learn:

• To access your natural inner resources to alleviate the fear, anxiety and tension experienced during pregnancy, labour and childbirth
• Practical skills of relaxation, breathing and visualisation which are used during pregnancy, labour, childbirth and beyond
• How the mother’s body is beautifully designed to birth her baby naturally and calmly and with the right preparation, to work with the process rather than resist it
• The importance of a mother’s beliefs and attitudes about birth and how these can be one of the major differences between a positive or negative birth experience
• The importance of bonding with your baby and how this effects your baby’s future life
• To be empowered to take control of your own birthing experience

Calmbirthing is an Australian method similar to the American HypnoBirthing method. For more information, visit the Calmbirth website.

Natural Pain Relief Option #4: Changing Position

“Sitting on the toilet seemed to be quite comfortable which eased my pain… as I felt more relaxed.”

Being comfortable in labour is of course going to make a huge difference in your pain tolerance. The worst position for pain during labour (and the most dysfunctional) is lying flat on your back in bed, next is semi-reclining.

Mobility is important in labour, as is position changes, especially when you are working with gravity and your body. Upright, forward leaning positions are ideal, as when your uterus contracts, it actually contracts forward. Many unrestricted women naturally lean forward with contractions. Therefore working with your body and the surges of contractions is going to be more effective and efficient, resulting in less pain for the labouring woman.

“Given my quick labours and no time for bath showers etc, the number one thing during labour was position – on my knees leaning forward with legs spread. But the very best pain relief of all was holding my baby at the end!”

For more information on active birth, check out Janet Balaskas’ book, New Active Birth.

Natural Pain Relief Option #5: Naturopathy

If you visit a naturopath before your birth, they may be able to provide some natural pain relief preparations for you, which are safe while pregnant and breastfeeding. You can get some preparations over the counter from your pharmacy, for example, Rescue Remedy, however a tailored preparation just for you is ideal.

Natural Pain Relief Option #6: Massage / Pressure

You don’t need to be a professional to provide massage in labour – loving, nurturing strokes and massage on a woman’s body in labour is all you need to provide.

Some studies have been done on pain relief and massage. One of the studies involved massage conducted by the woman’s partner. They found that the woman’s anxiety and pain was reduced and her mood improved. Another concluded that massage was a cost-effective option that could be implemented by midwives. Women perceived a reduction in their pain and anxiety levels, and found with partner involvement, they had a more positive birth experience. Yet another concluded that women who were massaged during labour were less anxious, experienced less pain, had shorter labours and experienced less postnatal depression, opposed to the control group of women who did not receive massage.

Massage can be performed by your partner or a doula, but often midwives are too busy to perform massage, so plan for your partner or a support person to do the massage.

Massage stimulates the production of endorphins which are natural pain killers and mood enhancers. In labour, massage can be given on the shoulders, head, back, feet, legs and hands. If you buy oils for massage, make sure you check that the essential oils are safe in labour. Some essential oils need to be avoided. It’s best to buy a base carrier oil, like avocado, grapeseed or almond oil and add safe oils to it if you wish. Some oils safe in labour include lavender (relaxing), geranium (relaxing), orange (uplifiting, refreshing), clary sage (strengthen contractions), but please do check the correct doses with someone who is trained in aromatherapy.

It’s important to note that some women will not like touch or massage during specific times in their labour or at all, so it’s important to plan other options for natural pain relief as well as massage. Don’t be put off if she doesn’t want to be touched and don’t be afraid of offering again if you think she would like it. Observe her movements – does she have her hand on her back, does her back ache? Is she rubbing her legs? Maybe you could do this for her.

Women with lower back pain often get more relief from pressure (press your palms into her lower back, quite firmly). Even if she doesn’t like massage, she can enjoy this quite a bit.

Another helpful tip with backache is to have the woman sitting back in a chair and her partner or a support person pushing into her knees with their hands. You really need two people to do this as a tag team or with one knee each – women often find it so helpful with lower back pain that they don’t want you to stop, and the person pushing the knees can get very sore wrists – take it from someone who thought their wrists were going to fall off!

Natural Pain Relief Option #7: Environment

The environment in which a woman gives birth can help with relaxation, hence pain relief and comfort.

• Turn the lights off or down. Help her instinctive brain kick in and her thinking brain turn off. Darkness helps with this.
• Bring familiar objects from home if in hospital, like pillows, blankets and other things that have her smell on it – the smells of familiarity, safety and home.
• Music – favourite CD’s for different moods are great, from uplifting to soothing sounds, music can groove some pain away!
• Keep it quiet. Avoid talking unnecessarily when things get serious and asking her lots of questions – her thinking brain is trying to shut down to let the instinctive part of her brain take control, hence why women can appear vague and unable to know what they want in labour. Humour can be great when appropriate, for example early labour, but it’s important not to keep engaging her thinking brain when she’s in strong labour. Encourage others to keep voices down and increase touch and encouraging words when needed.

Natural Pain Relief Option #8: Heat Pack

Another option for sore backs – a wheat pack or another form of heat pack is a great non-pharmaceutical alternative. If you are giving birth in a hospital, be sure to check the policy on heat packs, because some no longer allow you to heat up wheat packs in microwaves due to potential fires (yes it has happened before!). So you may need to choose a non-wheat heat pack, for example the gel ones which heat up in hot water, or you could find out what the hospital suggests.

Heat packs are also great post-natally for after birth pains, while the uterus contracts down to it’s normal size – which happens in only a few days – so it works hard!

Natural Pain Relief Option #9: Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy in labour has many great uses. If you are giving birth in hospital, it can provide a nice smell to mask the smell of the hospital, enabling you to relax a little more. While some essential oils are not advised during pregnancy and labour, it is perfectly safe to burn any oil in your burner. You might like to choose some oils suggested in the massage section above.

A point about oil burners – check to see if your hospital has one, as they will not allow you to bring in your own in case of an electrical fault and you blow up the electrical system! Naked flames are also not allowed, so you can’t bring your own oil burners that evaporate with a candle. Your options are usually a battery operated one, which I am yet to find, or a hospital one. You could always ask if it will be okay to use your own if you get your unit electrical tested.

Natural Pain Relief Option #10: Sterile Water Injections

For some women, back pain in labour (usually caused by a posterior positioned baby – where the baby’s back is against your back) is much more challenging to manage. Intradermal injections of sterile water provides a non-pharmacological pain relief option.

A small amount of sterile water is injected in four places just under the skin that covers the sacrum, the lower part of the back. Its thought that the sterile water injections stimulate the nerves which quickly send messages to the brain and interrupt the slower messages from inside the body – this has been called the ‘gate control’ theory of pain management.

Intradermal injections of sterile water have been found to stop backache for over 90% of women. For those women it works for, the relief has been immediate. The catch is that it is quite painful. It has a sharp, wasp like sting, which lasts about 20 seconds, however the vast majority of women who experienced severe backpain reported that it’s worth the sting and likely prevented them for opting for an epidural.

Sterile water injections is still fairly new and midwives need to be specially trained to use it – so you will need to check before the birth if this option is available to you. You might even suggest that they look into it if they don’t have that option. For more information, check out our article on sterile water injections.

Natural Pain Relief Option #11: TENS

A TENS machine works by attaching two strips of electrodes on your lower back – one on either side of your spine. These connect to a hand-held battery powered unit, which allows you to control the strength of the electrical impulses. The way it apparently works is that the impulses send a signal to the brain where they compete with pain impulses from the uterus, helping to block the pain.

TENS machines do help some women to cope with early contractions, but it’s effectiveness really does vary greatly from woman to woman. Feedback from both studies and by consensus from women give mixed results. Some women find TENS to be no help at all, and some swear by them. The few clients I have supported who have chosen to use TENS gave it a go until they got into water, then took it off and didn’t bother putting it back. Yet on the other hand some women I have heard from say they couldn’t have coped without it.

It is important to get some instruction on how to use TENS before labour – often places who hire out the machines do have TENS classes so if you choose to use TENS in labour, make sure you book yourself in for some lessons.

Pros Using A TENS Machine:

• You can use it from the very start of labour
• It can be used anywhere – at home, in the car or in hospital
• You can remain mobile
• Can be used with other forms of pain relief except back massage or water (shower, bath)
• Self administered and controlled
• Some women find it particularly helpful with back labour (posterior babies)
• Can be used post-birth

Cons Using A TENS Machine:

• It’s not as effective for strong labour as massage or loving care from a doula or privately-hired midwife
• You need to start using it very early in your labour to get the most out of it
• It makes you focus on the early stages of labour when it’s better to play it down and ignore it
• You cannot use it and need to take it off while being monitored, in the shower or in the bath
• You need to press the button to turn it on before each contraction, so you are effectively sitting there waiting for a contraction coming on
• It doesn’t work for all women
• Some women feel that the wires are distracting in labour
• Not to be used on broken or irritated skin

Natural Pain Relief Option #12: Keep Hydrated and Eat If Hungry

Midwife, Brenda Manning, suggests: “If you don’t think you will remember, ask your partner to remind you to drink at least 300mls of water every couple of hours to avoid dehydration. Dehydration can result in fatigue and a poorly functioning uterus. Eating and drinking during labour has been shown to reduce the total length of labour by as much as 90 minutes. Eat light, easily digested food.”

Natural Pain Relief Option #13: Acupuncture

Studies have shown that acupuncture is effective for all sorts of pain relief. In China, acupuncturists work in hospitals and provide acupuncture for patients. However in Australia (and many other western countries) no such thing exists. Some hospitals are receptive to Chinese medicine professionals treating patients (as long as you hire your own) but if you’re giving birth at home this obviously isn’t an issue.

During my client’s labours, I have worked with a good friend of mine who has helped my clients with lower back pain, labours which were slow to establish and doctors were pushing for pharmaceutical inductions, back labour (posterior babies), post birth cramping, post birth bleeding and more. My clients have been very happy with the results.

If you have a trusted acupuncturist or can locate one (make sure they specialise in fertility/pregnancy/birth, some of which have done extra training courses) then you might like to ask them if they’d be open to coming to your birth, making sure that the hospital would allow it.

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Popular methods of pain relief during childbirth

Many pregnant women are very anxious about the upcoming birth and fear the pain associated with it. Of course, you ask yourself: “Will I be able to cope with this pain and will I be able to give birth without anesthesia?” I won't lie to you, childbirth is painful. But there are a number of reliable methods to relieve pain, both natural and medicinal.

Nature has endowed women with a special analgesic hormone - endorphin, which is synthesized during childbirth and relieves pain. If you are thinking about whether to use anesthesia in childbirth or not, then you should know that it suppresses the secretion of endorphins. Yes, the anesthetic effectively relieves pain, but at the same time blocks the production of hormones. Also, remember that we are all unique and our reactions to pain are different. Some women perceive their childbirth as a unique experience, as something special. Other women reach the limit of their strength during childbirth and then try to erase this event from memory as quickly as possible. nine0003

It is very difficult to determine in advance which method is best for you, as each pregnancy is unique and the assessment of the current situation can only be made during labour. But getting as much information as possible about the methods of anesthesia of labor pain will not be superfluous.

Natural methods

Support for a loved one

Many women feel that you can help by simply holding her hand. A husband, friend or personal midwife can support you during childbirth. Sometimes just a word of encouragement or help with breathing is enough to get you through the tough times. The accompanying person should encourage you and constantly tell you about how the birth process is going. The feeling of security reduces tension and, accordingly, reduces pain. The idea of ​​calling someone close to the people is good because you know for sure that there is someone to support you, this thought alone already gives you strength. nine0003

Gradually, our maternity hospitals are getting acquainted with such a phenomenon as “dula”. A doula is an experienced woman who supports the mother emotionally and physically. She also acts as an intermediary between the woman in labor and the medical staff. Even during pregnancy, the doula learns about the needs and fears of the expectant mother. This is not a midwife suddenly hired during childbirth, but a friend, a person who is completely trusted by a woman in childbirth. A doula accompanies the mother during the entire birth process. At the same time, she does not need to work as a midwife, she just needs to undergo special training, have relevant experience and be able to establish a warm and cordial relationship with the patient. In our conditions, the function of a doula is best performed by midwives, although this is a fairly new direction in general. In European countries, doulas have been known for a long time and are considered a necessary part of the birth process. Women who are accompanied by doulas feel better after childbirth, and the process of childbirth itself is less traumatic compared to traditional childbirth. nine0003

Water

Warm water relaxes. You can both take a shower and lie down in the bath. Of course, it all depends on the equipment in your hospital. A relaxing shower should last 15-25 minutes. While showering, point the jet of water at the stomach or lower back, this will relieve pain and increase blood flow to the muscles. After that, the muscles will be easier to stretch. While taking a bath, you will feel how tension and fatigue disappear, and you will feel a strong surge of energy.

Remember! The water should be either warm or slightly warm. Never use hot water. Remember that if you are not in the mood to take a shower or bath, no one can force you. nine0003

Massage

During childbirth, massage of the lumbosacral region can provide significant relief. Lie down or sit comfortably and ask the person accompanying you to massage your lower back. Your partner should make circular movements in the painful area with the entire surface of the palm, first in one direction, then in the other. You can also apply pressure to painful points using the base of your palm or fists.

You may not want to be massaged at all, or you may prefer having a midwife massage rather than your husband. Remember that you can always talk about your feelings and what exactly you need. If you do not want the accompanying person to touch you, ask the obstetrician for help. Do not be afraid that in this way you will offend your partner. He should not be offended, thinking that he is a bad helper and that he is not needed. He must understand and respect the rights of the woman who gives birth. nine0003

Compresses

Compresses are very helpful in relieving pain. A cold or warm compress applied to the sacrum or lower abdomen will definitely give you some relief.

Breathing

Breathing is very important during childbirth. When you start to panic, your breathing becomes rapid, and this, in turn, can lead to hyperventilation. So try to focus on your breathing. This will greatly ease the pain.

Breathing in is important to your baby because your body is supplying oxygen to your baby, and breathing out is important to you because it helps you relax. Breathe deeply. Exhale the air completely, imagine that you are exhaling all the tension and pain. Synchronize the rhythm of your breathing with the rhythm of contractions. nine0003

Shout

During contractions you may scream, moan or even sing. This is quite natural. Do not suppress your emotions, otherwise you will overstrain the muscles involved in childbirth, and this will only increase the pain.

If you make any sounds as you exhale, you will not only relieve the pain, but also relax the muscles of the birth canal.

But everything is good in moderation. Remember that loud screaming can make you tired, and fatigue slows down the birth process. If you scream instead of pushing in the second stage of labor, the pushing will be ineffective and the baby will not move through the birth canal. Therefore, moaning and screaming to relieve pain is possible only at the moment of weakening of the contraction. nine0003

Acupressure

For severe sacral pain, try acupressure. This is a technique from Chinese medicine. Your partner should press hard on the base of the big toe. This method does not require much effort on either your part or your partner's, so it's worth a try.

Movement

Change positions during childbirth. Movement reduces pain. Depending on what stage of labor you are in, completely different positions can alleviate your condition. Using this or that position, you can both speed up and slow down the process of childbirth. Your body itself will tell you exactly what to do in order to relieve the pain during contractions as much as possible. Any posture is good - you can sit, walk, squat or get on all fours. Have a partner help you, or use the furniture and equipment in the antenatal room to help you. nine0003

TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)

A special device produces the hormone endorphin, which is needed to relieve pain. With TENS, four electrodes are attached to the skin in the lumbar region, through which current is supplied. Electrical impulses block the transmission of pain along the nerves, and as a result, contractions are easier to bear. This method has no effect on the child, but is not recommended for women with a pacemaker.

Music

You can listen to your favorite music during childbirth. To do this, simply download your favorite playlists to your phone before heading to the hospital. nine0003

As long as you listen to your favorite tunes, you will not think about pain, and this will bring you relief in difficult moments.

Pharmacological methods

Epidural analgesia

This is probably the most popular and most effective method for pain relief during childbirth.

An anesthetic needle is inserted between two lumbar vertebrae. You will not feel pain below the belt, but you will be conscious, able to move and push. However, remember that this method has certain drawbacks. Such anesthesia weakens contractions, which leads to a significant slowdown in the birth process. In general, the anesthetic does not affect the child, but sometimes, unfortunately, the baby's heartbeat can slow down for a while, which will be seen from the CTG records. This does not happen often, but before you ask for such anesthesia, you must weigh the pros and cons. It is also necessary to know that anesthetics administered through an epidural catheter are derivatives of cocaine, although they are administered in low and authorized doses. nine0003

Dolargan / Pethidine

It is an antispasmodic drug derived from morphine. It is recommended in the presence of contraindications to epidural anesthesia. It is administered either intramuscularly or intravenously. However, this remedy is not recommended for use, because it penetrates the child's body and can cause depression of the respiratory system of the newborn. You may also feel drowsy after the injection, and you may experience nausea or vomiting.

Nitrous oxide

When using this type of anesthesia, you inhale the gas mixture through a special mouthpiece or using a face mask. This is a rather mild type of anesthesia that has a slightly relaxing and pain-reducing effect. This method is effective when you inhale gas before a contraction. In this case, the maximum level of gas in the blood is reached during the contraction itself. nine0003

Nitrous oxide is now rarely used, and maternity hospitals are phasing out this type of anesthesia.

Pudendal Anesthesia

In this type of anesthesia, an anesthetic is injected into a nerve in the perineum on both sides of the pelvis. Anesthesia of this type is also used extremely rarely.

As for me, I perceive childbirth as an exceptional and very difficult experience. From the very beginning I knew that I did not want to use any pharmacological agents. I was very scared, but at the same time I believed that everything would end well. And so it happened. Thanks to the presence of my husband and his support, I was able to survive the most difficult moments and forgot about the pain pretty quickly. When you see your baby and hear his first cry, nothing else matters. You only know that it was worth it. This happiness cannot be compared with anything! nine0003

Pain in childbirth: You can handle it!

For many expectant mothers, the pain that may be in childbirth is a real "sore topic". Wander from mouth to mouth "horror stories" of grandmothers and girlfriends. Meanwhile, these sensations are fundamentally different from pain during injuries, diseases and other unpleasant incidents. It is not enough to say that childbirth is a pleasant event, it is a holiday, it is a sacrament. And contractions and attempts are the way to the holiday. Just to make the holiday a success - you have to work hard. "Work", "work" is the period of contractions in English and French. Thinking of them as a difficult path to the joy of meeting a baby is the first step to not hurting. And the joyful acceptance of contractions is almost one hundred percent painkiller. But this is already a feat of maternal love. nine0003

Childbirth is not painful or scary,

because there are many simple and natural pain relief methods. In our age, many means have been invented to facilitate any work, in any way. And in such a primordial human business as obstetrics, there are dozens of such methods, both ancient and modern.

Remember that there will be no task beyond your strength! There will be a job that suits you.

All people are different - and from everything that will be described here, you will definitely choose something of your own. You should think, try and take with you on the road what is useful for you. We will only make a reservation that only natural childbirth can be effectively anesthetized by natural methods, that is, those that are not "caused" artificially and go without medical interventions. Then, believe me, looking back immediately after giving birth, you will say: it was wonderful! But when will I give birth next time ...

Relaxation

The more relaxed you are during the contraction, the easier it will be for you to “work through” it, the better the cervix will open, releasing the baby. And this is the meaning of your work. Actually, your body will do the work, you just need to help yourself and your baby in the right way ... Everyone has their own way to relax: focusing on a visual or auditory image, breathing, posture, sound.

Concentration

From practice it is known that focusing on something helps to relax during a fight. You must choose for yourself individually what will be close to you. Some prefer to focus on what is happening inside: they imagine how the cervix opens, how the baby's head moves forward. nine0003

Visual images are closer to others: they imagine themselves in some beautiful and pleasant place (on the seashore, in the mountains) or imagine a fight in the form of an obstacle that must be overcome (for example, in the form of a big wave). Sometimes it is convenient for a woman to focus her eyes on a certain object or follow a line with her eyes in the course of a fight.

There are people who find it easier to focus on a sound, whether produced by themselves or heard from outside. It can be music, the voice of a husband or a midwife, the sound of the sea or rain. Sometimes it's easier to focus on the tactile sensation: massages, firm pressure, and even hugs can help distract and relax. You can focus on a short prayer, verse, phrase, as well as on a certain rhythmic movement - which is closer to whom. nine0003

Breathing and sound

Instinctively holding one's breath and straining is a natural human response to a disturbing stimulus. We will do the opposite - breathe evenly and calmly. And surprisingly, the irritant will bother us less!

• Long exhalation. A deep, calm breath in through the nose and a long, calm (not forced!) exhalation through the mouth. To make the exhalation longer, you can fold your “lips into a tube”, as if blowing on a flame.
• Intermittent exhalation. A deep, calm breath in and a long, interrupted exhalation that sounds like "poo-poo-poo-poo ...". nine0118
• "Engine". You shortly inhale and exhale, while the sounds are similar to how a steam locomotive puffs.
• "Dog breath". Frequent short breathing: this is how a dog breathes in the heat. This breathing helps to prevent pushing too early or to hold it back (preventing ruptures).

Sounds. It is much easier for many to “sound” in a fight than to remain silent. This is by no means a cry, but lingering sounds of different heights on the exhalation. From the outside it looks like a primitive song. You need to choose the height of the sound for yourself individually. nine0003

Movement and various postures

Movement. Usually, immobility and the supine position are the least comfortable during contractions. Hence the main advice: find your posture and move! In addition to anesthesia, the movement contributes to the correct insertion of the baby's head at the exit from the small pelvis. Between contractions, you can walk around, and if the contractions are weak and rare, then you need to walk quite quickly - this gives mild stimulation. Movements resembling the rotation of a hoop around the waist or an oriental dance work wonderfully. nine0003

The following positions are good during contractions:

• Standing posture, leaning forward. This position is very convenient if you walk during contractions. You stop where the fight caught you and, leaning on a table or wall, "work through" the fight.
• "Pose of a cat" or position on all fours. Remember how old Hank carried the Chief of the Redskins on his back when they played Indians. The pose is convenient in the active phase of contractions, when it is no longer possible to walk.
nine0117 "Child's Pose" is similar to the previous one, the difference is that the arms are bent at the elbows and the head lies low. Your baby is in the same position in the womb. Pillows can be placed on the sides for comfort. In this position, it is good to both “work through” contractions and rest between them.
• Side lying position. Also good for contractions and relaxation. For convenience, the upper leg, bent at the knee, can be placed on a large pillow.
• Hanging position. Sometimes, during contractions, it is comfortable for mommy to hang: on the sports complex or in a squatting position, leaning on her husband supporting her from behind. The meaning of the hanging position is to relax the lower body, which softens the sensations. In addition, the force of gravity helps the child move from the inside out. nine0118

Stroking, massage, pressure

Most women enjoy being touched during contractions. The sacrum is the area where the nerves leading to the uterus come from. If you look closely at the lower back, you will see a rhombus, which is formed by the muscles of the back and buttocks. Often, stroking from top to bottom, or vigorous rubbing at points on the sides of the rhombus, significantly changes the sensations. For some, just applying firm pressure to the area helps. A woman can do a massage with her own hands only at the initial stage of childbirth, in the future it sometimes has to be done by her husband or someone who helps in childbirth. nine0003

Heat and cold

• Hot compress. Try to apply a hot compress from a towel folded several times to the sacrum area during a contraction. You can add a few drops of lavender essential oil to the water.
• Heating pad. This is dry heat on the sacrum. Very convenient electric heating pad with adjustable heat. Sometimes a mother is pleased when heat is applied not to the sacrum, but to the stomach, groin or perineum.
• Ice. All people are different: in rare cases, not heat, but ice should be applied to the sacrum (sliced ​​frozen vegetables usually act as ice - they easily take the shape of the body). However, at the same time, the mother as a whole should be warm. nine0118

Water

Water has a wonderful analgesic and relaxing effect.

• Warm shower. Once you are comfortable and relaxed, direct the shower jet to where you feel most comfortable. The shower gives local warmth and light massage.
• Pool. Contractions are greatly facilitated by immersion in water. It is enough just to sit comfortably in the pool or bath, relaxing well. If the contractions are very strong - some mothers dive under the water and find that it is an excellent pain reliever. If you add 5-6 drops of verbena essential oil diluted in milk or yogurt to the water, the analgesic effect will increase, and the air around the mother will be filled with a delicate and wonderful aroma (be careful if the mother is prone to allergies!). nine0118

Aroma oils

Verbena and lavender oils have already been mentioned above, which are used for water procedures. They also work great as a relaxing and analgesic, if you rub a drop in your palms and inhale the vapors, as well as if you use an aroma lamp. Allergy sufferers should test with a very small amount of oil and observe their reaction.

Homeopathy

This is the science that says that the symptoms are the language of the human body, in which he says what specific remedy he needs in a given situation. Therefore, according to a vivid picture of symptoms, even a person who is superficially familiar with homeopathy can successfully prescribe a harmless and very effective medicine. Here are the "pictures" (look closely!). nine0003

• Caulophyllum 30. Sharply painful contractions that occur in the lower abdomen. Despite this, the midwife or doctor says that the cervix does not dilate. Mom feels tired, trembling, thirsty.
• Cimicifuga 30. Also, during contractions, sharply painful sensations in the lower part of the abdomen, they "jump" from place to place. He talks a lot and rather randomly, "jumps". Mom is full of fears and forebodings (in fact, often such women have a difficult past experience of pregnancy and childbirth, failures in married life). Her deepest feeling is "I can't!". nine0118
• Gelsemin 30. Feeling of trembling and tiredness, eyes literally closing. Trembling in the fight. The cervix does not open. Internal tension, bad forebodings.
• Coffea 30. Contractions seem unbearable. Sharp emotional arousal, as if drinking coffee.
• Hamomilla 30. Contractions seem unbearable. Extremely sensitive and misbehaving. Screaming, cursing and bickering. Sensation of heat, flushed face.
nine0117 Pulsatilla 30. The main thing that indicates this remedy is tearfulness, self-doubt, need for comfort and support. Does not tolerate stuffiness. The contractions are sluggish and weak in this remedy. Its use will avoid harsh drug stimulation leading to painful contractions.
• Arnica 30. Mom doesn't want to be touched: she claims that she's all right and sends everyone away. Feeling of muscle weakness and soreness. In childbirth relieves fatigue, prevents bleeding. After childbirth - accelerates recovery. nine0118

These drugs are freely sold in homeopathic pharmacies.

How to use the medicine: Take 3 grains and observe your reaction. If there are changes for the better, it is not necessary to repeat the reception while the improvement lasts. Take again if symptoms return. Choose another medicine if there is no effect. It is reasonable to visit a homeopathic doctor at the end of pregnancy, who, after talking with you individually, will select such medicines for childbirth that will be useful for you, and will also prescribe prophylactic agents to make childbirth easier. nine0003

Listen to your body

Take it on faith: you know how to give birth (this has been encoded in the genes of every cell of your body since ancient times) and you know what exactly you and your baby need to make childbirth easier and better. You just need to understand your own body language. The famous Canadian midwife Gloria Lemay finds it useful to look at childbirth as a excretory process, like other excretory processes: coughing, stool, crying. “They don’t need a mind - they require a different state. Each person is able to carry out his excretory processes without special instructions from his neighbors ...,” she writes.

But all people are different. Many give birth on their own, many need help (even in finding themselves). If you are not one of those who know with their inner instinct what to do, take courses for expectant mothers. If you are not one of those who finds the strength to give birth completely on their own, find good helpers.

Traditional midwives know many other ways to make childbirth easier. Moreover, experience allows them to see what is best for you. Find such assistants who, having all the necessary professional knowledge and experience, would have the wisdom to respect your opinion, follow the nature of your body and not interfere with natural processes unless absolutely necessary.

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