Handling Labor Pain Naturally

Natural birth sounds so pleasant and sweet. Not at all like hours of sweating, intense pains and stifled cries of agony! Even if you are determined not to take pain medication or have an epidural, you can still learn how to manage the pain naturally. There are several methods that have proved useful over the ages and which are used by women around the world today.

Did you know that women who are alone or feel unsupported tend to suffer more during labor? Or that women who feel out of control and in danger are even more likely to have unbearable pain during the birthing process? That right there tells us that the main factor in how we handle our pain depends on how secure we feel. This part of the pain management process begins long before we even feel the first twinge of a contraction.

Having someone you trust (apart from the doctor or midwife) with you is vital. A husband, boyfriend or even your mom or best friend can be an enormous help. While the medical staff is there to bring the baby into the world safely, your support person is there for YOU. He or she will be focusing on helping you handle the pain, deal with rollercoaster of emotions that comes with having a baby and just generally being there. Your support person plays a big role in pain management, by making you feel cared for and supported.

Having a birth plan is a good idea, too, but you need to remember that it will probably not happen exactly as planned. Things change and you need to be aware of this. However, having an idea of what you want and explaining this ahead of time to the medical staff is a good way to help you feel in control of what is going on. This lowers the anxiety level and thus the pain level as well.

Movement is a proven method of pain control. We automatically tend to rock when in pain and this holds true during the labor process as well. The way you move depends entirely on you. Some women prefer to walk or pace, others like to sit in a rocking chair and rock away the contractions while still others find that bouncing on a large birthing ball is the best way to manage the pain.

Changing your position may help as well. Leaning over the back of a chair or against a wall, with your head resting on your hands while breathing through a contraction can make the pain less intense and more bearable. You might even want to double over completely, resting your head on the bed, with your butt in the air. Lying on your side, or sitting with your knees drawn up might be more comfy than being on your back. Experiment with different positions to see which is most comfortable for you and keep in mind that this may change as the labor progresses.

Having someone massage your lower back can bring some relief as well. Have your support person use a tennis ball to apply counter pressure during contractions, but don't be afraid to tell them to stop if the technique isn't working. You might have to try various techniques before one of them is effective.

Some women find that music or aromatherapy is also useful in dealing with the pain of contractions and you can try these as well. Essential oils mixed into massage oil make a good dual-therapy for pain, massage and aromatherapy together.

You can deal with labor pain naturally if you are prepared. Knowing what to expect and having several options available to you is the best way to be prepared. So, write up a birth plan, get your support system in line and arrange for aromatherapy or massages during the labor and you will be able to make it through naturally.