Self help

Pain relief does not neccesarily mean taking drugs. Relaxation techniques, breathing and finding your optimum position, and having the support of a close friend or partner will help.emotional support from the birth partner

The pain of child birth can hightened by anxiety and fear. It is often the fear of the unknown, or feeling out of control, so learning what you can expect in advance is very important. Gather information about labour from antenatal classes, from your doctor, your midwife, and from websites like this one.

There are things you could try:

  • Learning to relax to keep you feeling calm.
  • Learning what to expect at antenatal classes so that you feel you have more control in labour. Also ask the midwife what is going on.
  • Find the best position for you that you are most comfortable with.  Some women like to kneel, walk around or rock backwards and forwards.
  • Some women find massage relieves the pain. note: some don't like to be touched!.
  • Having a birthing partner who can provide motivational and emotional support to you during labour always helps. Through studies it has been shown to reduce the need for pain relief.
  • Some women enjoy warm water and baths at the early stage of parturition.

You cannot predict what your labour will feel like in advance. Even if you think you would prefer to have a natural birth with no drugs, keep an open mind. In some instances, it could make the experience less traumatic, and more enjoyable for you.

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