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Natural Pain Management Techniques for Childbirth

We have all heard the stories about how incredibly painful it is to give birth, but that hasn’t stopped a large number of women in recent years from deciding on a more holistic approach to the process. 

At Dedicated to Women ObGyn, we fully support a patient’s decision to do what is right for their body. We also want to provide as much education and information about these methods, and when they may no longer be a safe option to pursue. No matter what you decide, our OBGYN providers are here to help educate all expecting mothers about their options when it comes to pain management during childbirth.

Natural Labor Pain Relief Techniques

For women looking to achieve a completely natural labor and delivery, there are several options when it comes to effective pain relief. These techniques are best for those who are able to safely complete a natural birth without a high risk for potential health complications of mom and/or baby.

Stay Active

Many moms can find it difficult to lie in a hospital bed as soon as their labor starts all the way until their child is born. Getting up to walk around the room can help to not only distract from painful contractions, but can also assist during the delivery by letting gravity take its natural effect on the baby and pull it gently downward. Utilization of a birthing ball, rocking chair, or other strategic positioning can also be encouraging for the birthing process.

Breathing Exercises

This particular tip may seem rather minor, but it can have a huge impact on the relaxation of the body during delivery. Deep breathing techniques help to not only focus the mind, but also to cause a bodily response to loosen tension within the patient’s muscles.

Massage and Reflexology

Massage may also be used to help a woman relax her muscles during childbirth. There is often a significant degree of variation between the massage methods used and how beneficial they are for the individual using them, so be sure to try out a few to find which is best for you.

Reflexology is a particular process used to strategically apply pressure to specific areas of the body. The primary focus of reflexology is the individual’s feet and how the nerve endings located in the feet can be manipulated to relieve tension and reduce pain.

TENS Device

Another common solution to naturally relieve labor pains is to implement the use of a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) unit toward the beginning of the delivery. This device is meant to inhibit pain signals as they travel toward the brain. Stimulations from the TENS unit can be increased along with the woman’s pain level so that it remains consistent in its ability to relieve discomfort from her contractions. 

Other Natural Pain Management Methods

There are of course several other approaches that individuals can take when trying to manage their pain during labor and delivery. In addition to those mentioned above, the following are other common pain relief practices that may be used during childbirth:

• Bathing or remaining partially submerged in water
• Acupuncture
• Music therapy
• Having your partner as a birthing coach (the Bradley Method)
• Aromatherapy

Knowing the Risks of Natural Childbirth

While natural births have certainly grown in popularity, they are still not a suitable option for every single expectant mother. Obstetric anesthetics are often used to relieve pain during delivery, along with other modern medicines and techniques to keep both mom and baby safe throughout the birthing process.

Women involved in a high-risk pregnancy are often not encouraged to attempt a natural birth. Pregnancies are typically categorized as being high-risk if the mother has a known medical condition that may interfere with the development or birth of the fetus, such as diabetes, a thyroid disorder, uterine fibroids, and more. Dedicated to Women ObGyn will be able to diagnose and routinely monitor these types of existing conditions all throughout the length of a woman’s pregnancy to help avoid any severe outcomes.

There are also a number of complications that can arise while a woman is in labor, making it critical for her to receive additional medical treatment and care in order to safely deliver her baby. These common labor complications include:

• Malposition
• Fetal distress
• Uterine rupture
• Perinatal asphyxia
• Excessive bleeding
• Failure to progress
• Shoulder dystocia
• Placenta previa
• Cephalopelvic disproportion

To learn more about the safety of your pregnancy and the potential of a natural delivery, please contact Dedicated to Women ObGyn to schedule a consultation with one of our specialists today!

As always if you have any further questions, please call Dedicated to Women ObGyn at (302) 674-0223 today!

Methods of natural pain relief in childbirth | State Budgetary Institution RO “OCSOS and R”

Every woman who is waiting for the birth of her baby, along with bright, joyful experiences, experiences fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of pain during childbirth. How strong will this pain be, how long will it last, is it possible to endure it. And she is also possessed by approximately such thoughts: how I will look and how I will behave, whether I will fall into hysterics, whether I will swear at the medical staff. nine0003

In response to these fears and worries, very effective methods of pain relief have emerged in obstetric practice in recent years. The most popular of these is epidural anesthesia , which completely relieves pain during the first stage of labor (the period when the cervix opens, often long and painful). And at the same time, there are many doctors and women in labor who believe that the process of childbirth should proceed as naturally as possible, and pain, since it is conceived by nature, has the right to exist. nine0003

To sort out these conflicting views, let's look at the scientific research on what pain is and what influences pain tolerance.

Today, there are a number of studies in medical science on pain and how people experience pain in different circumstances, what affects pain tolerance and how this can be used in medical practice.

To investigate this issue, scientists turned to the experience of people who not only do not avoid pain in their lives, but, on the contrary, deliberately seek it. These were people involved in oriental martial arts, representatives of some religious movements, people striving for an ascetic lifestyle. nine0003

By investigating extraordinary cases of pain immunity in these people, scientists have deduced some patterns of pain management.

Thus, the intensity of pain depends on the following factors:

The purpose for which pain is experienced.

Pain is much easier to experience if the goal is self-improvement or the religious idea of ​​saving the soul. Scientists believe that labor pain also has a great positive force, since its purpose is the birth of a child, unlike, for example, the pain experienced by a seriously ill person. Thus, it is very important what the thoughts of a person experiencing severe pain are directed to - whether he expects, as a result of personal spiritual growth, the birth of a new life, or, on the contrary, his own death. nine0005 Based on this, it can be assumed that experiencing labor pain is much more difficult for those women who experience fear of their own death or loss of a child during childbirth.

The intensity of pain is affected by the environment.

For example, if it is pain that a person forces himself to for the sake of religious beliefs, it is much easier for him to experience this pain in the presence of other believers who empathize with him and believe that this pain is necessary for the implementation of a high goal. So and during the birth of a child, surrounded by close people, it is much easier for a woman in labor to experience pain, because close people empathize with her and share her condition.

In Africa and Brazil, the ‘sledgehammer phenomenon’ is widely known: when the time comes for a woman to give birth, a man goes to bed, screams and complains. Ethnologists have found that this relieves a significant part of the mental and even physical stress of the woman in labor, and childbirth is easier.

The degree of pain sensation depends on the state of consciousness of the person. nine0003

Pain is much easier to bear when a person is not completely immersed in it, but is in a state of trance, meditation or prayer. It is known that women who are able to pray during childbirth experience them more easily.

Another factor influencing the experience of pain is the psychological readiness for its onset.

In other words, unexpected pain is always experienced as more intense. Some people - for example, martial artists - are able to change their physiological state before exposure to pain factors - their blood pressure rises in advance and their pulse quickens, and at the moment of a strong blow to the pain point, the pressure increased by this moment begins to decrease, and not jump sharply , as happens in case of an unexpected blow. nine0003

Women who prepare themselves for pain in advance and study various methods of pain relief on special crucibles are also in an advantageous position during labor pain. And even if they do not have to put their knowledge into practice, the very confidence that they are ready and know how to behave during childbirth greatly relieves the pain. And vice versa, the most painful, painful memories of childbirth remain with women who turned out to be completely unprepared for them.

There are countries, and these are by no means third world countries, where women give birth in conditions close to natural, for example, Holland, where childbirth is fundamentally not anesthetized, and epidural anesthesia is used only in case of caesarean section. And this does not mean at all that a woman is forced to suffer - no, they simply create certain conditions for her: the atmosphere of the birth is close to home, the presence of close people of the woman in labor is encouraged, the midwife who observed the woman during childbirth can be present and take part in them. pregnancy, which means that a woman trusts. In addition, the woman in labor is encouraged to use natural methods of anesthesia (breathing and voice techniques, relaxation method), water is widely used for the same purposes (showers, baths, pools). nine0003

As for Russia (including Novosibirsk), today a different approach to anesthesia is very common: for a certain amount, a woman in labor can receive epidural anesthesia in any maternity hospital.

If a woman wants to give birth naturally, she needs to take care in advance, during pregnancy, sign up for courses where she (and her husband) will be taught natural methods of pain relief. Unfortunately, now it is not necessary to expect that a midwife or a doctor in the maternity hospital will give a woman an anesthetic massage or breathe with her during labor, so the presence of a husband or other close person (mother, sister or close friend) at the birth is becoming more and more relevant. The fact is that even the most prepared woman in a stressful situation can forget everything that she studied during pregnancy, and in this case, a loved one who was preparing for childbirth with her will help her remember what she needed. nine0003

What methods of natural (non-drug) pain relief are offered to a woman in labor today?

Relaxation.

This method was proposed back in the thirties of the last century by the famous English obstetrician Grantley Dick-Read. G. Dick-Read's wife, Jessica, helped bring the idea of ​​painless, natural childbirth to life by organizing prenatal classes where expectant mothers could prepare for childbirth in small groups. One of the main skills taught in these courses was the relaxation technique, because, according to Dick-Read, relaxation is the key to calmness in childbirth. nine0003

Relaxation is a state of the body when the muscle tone of the whole body is reduced to a minimum. The ability of a woman to relax during contractions renders her an invaluable service, because the pain always increases with tension and decreases significantly with a decrease in muscle tone.

There are many different ways to relax, which you can learn about in courses or in specialist literature. A description of the method used by Dick-Read himself is in his book Childbirth Without Fear. nine0003

Respiratory methods of anesthesia.

In principle, all breathing practices used in childbirth lead to the same decrease in muscle tone, to relaxation.

The first method of pain relief offers to train the ability to breathe slowly. So, if a person normally takes 16 breaths and exhalations per minute, women are invited to learn how to do only 8 breaths and exhalations, and the breaths should be small and the exhalations should be long. During childbirth, a woman will breathe like this only during the contraction, after it ends - normal breathing. nine0003

The second method of anesthesia suggests the following: imagine that you have a feather in front of your lips, and you need to make a series of short exhalations with such force that the feather does not fly away. After exhaling, you take a small breath and repeat the series again (it can be 4, 6 or 8 exhalations). This breathing also helps to stay relaxed during the fight and not focus on the pain.

The third method of pain relief is suitable for well-trained women - it suggests not breathing at all during the contraction, and after it is over, go to normal breathing. nine0003

Voice practices.

These practices are usually taught in pregnancy courses. If we try to describe this method in words, then we can say that a woman is invited to sing her pain, sending a sound to the place of its greatest concentration. The sound should be long, on the exhale, while singing, you do not need to inhale often. I would like to note that singing pain has nothing to do with cries for help.

Pain relief massage.

Acupressure or general massage of the sacrum, buttocks and thighs often relieves pain. nine0003

Anesthesia with warm water.

It is very good if during the contractions a woman will have the opportunity to spend some time in a warm bath, or at least stand or sit under the shower, directing a jet of warm water to the sacrum during the contraction. The necessary conditions for this have already been created in many Russian maternity hospitals.

Trance techniques.

A number of experts believe that a woman does not need to relax or breathe in a special way, but during a contraction she needs to concentrate on certain images that contribute to the connection between her and her child in a single birth process. For example, a woman is invited to imagine the cervix as a thousand-petalled bud and during each contraction, open this flower one petal at a time. Another trance technique invites a woman in labor to imagine herself emerging from a very deep lake with a baby in her arms during a fight. Specialists who prepare women for such childbirth note significant pain relief. nine0003

In conclusion, I would like to wish every woman who is about to give birth to a child to make her choice regarding labor pain in advance. But even if before childbirth you decided to give birth naturally, and during them you encountered unbearable pain, use medical methods, and vice versa, if you have definitely decided that you will give birth under epidural anesthesia, give yourself at least a little experience of the sensations that you have prepared for you nature. In any case, I wish you and your baby a happy birth! nine0003

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 how you feel 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

Scream

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 pain relief, 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.

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