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Easing Labor Pain without Medication
by Lisa Rodriguez, R.N. and Marjorie Greenfield, M.D.
reviewed by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D.
Most mothers-to-be worry about the pain of labor--in particular, how much they'll have and how they will handle it. Certainly, every woman's experience is different, and pain perception varies by individual, but it's safe to say that most women feel some discomfort during labor.
If this is your first time going through childbirth, it will be difficult for you to imagine what labor feels like. You can best prepare for the experience, however, by becoming familiar with all your options for pain management, both medical and nonmedical.
Be sure to discuss pain-relief options with your healthcare provider in advance so that you know what to expect when your baby's birth day arrives. If you choose to go the nonmedical route, a great number of activities can ease your discomfort. Many women who opt for natural childbirth have found the following techniques to be a useful alternatives to pain medication:
- Water therapy. Indulge in a warm shower or bath; it can be both calming and relaxing. If you are having back labor water massage can be particularly helpful.
- Distraction. Sometimes, particularly in early labor, doing some sort of activity can take your mind off impending contractions. Instead of waiting for the next contraction to come, watch TV, read, play cards, go for a walk, or call a friend. Music might also help; consider bringing a portable stereo and some relaxing tapes or CDs to the hospital.
- Breathing. You'll learn about different breathing techniques and other comfort measures in your childbirth education classes. These exercises serve partly as distraction and partly as a way to calm yourself. They also remind you to fight the urge to hold your breath during contractions.
- Effleurage. This is a method of lightly massaging your abdomen (which can be done by you or your coach) as you have a contraction. Using both hands, start at your pubic bone and stroke lightly up and out to your sides. Then gently slide your hands toward the center of your abdomen and down to the pubic bone. Make circular motions with each hand on either side of your abdomen.
- Massage. Effleurage may feel wonderful on certain parts of your body, but you may prefer the added pressure of a deeper massage on other areas. Your coach can note where your body is tense and work on that area as a reminder to stay relaxed.
- Doulas. A doula is a professional assistant who gives emotional and tangible support to women in labor. Even if you already have a labor coach, a doula can be an excellent complement to your team. Many moms say they couldn't have made it without the encouragement of their support team. Check with your local hospital or your practitioner for information regarding doulas in your area or visit the website of Doulas of North America.
- Acupressure and acupuncture. These age-old techniques were developed in China for treatment of many medical conditions, including pain. Applying firm pressure (acupressure) or inserting and maneuvering fine needles (acupuncture) at certain areas of the body is an effective form of pain management for some. And, in fact, the United States now has licensed acupuncturists who offer treatment during labor. For more information on acupuncture, visit the website for the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at http://nccam.nih.gov/.
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Created December 15, 2000
Reviewed April 10, 2003
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