Some helpful information on ways to relieve labour pains
Find a Soothing Environment
You must have an open space, and somewhere you feel comfortable. It would help if you had facilities on hand, such as a place to bathe and a soft bed. You should also have a variety of furniture such as a rocking chair, squatting bar and low stool.
Choose Your Team Carefully
Midwives, doctors and nurses will be on hand for you but choosing a birthing partner is not a decision to be taken lightly. It needs to be someone with patience, who respects and supports you. This decreases your stress levels and allows you to have a more relaxing birth.
Learn About Labor
Read around the subject, find information from books, parenting magazines, the internet, friends who have had a baby, a health-care provider. These can all help you with what to expect from labour and teach you different coping mechanisms.
Express Your Fears
Speak to your midwife or doctor if you have any concerns, especially first-time mothers. You can also seek advice from a friend or family member, but don’t keep your worries bottled up. Most of the time, you can state your preferences for birth which will make you feel a lot more secure about the pregnancy.
Practice Rhythmic Breathing
You need to practice your breathing techniques for labour, try a slow rhythmic type but also try quick breaths. If you lose your rhythm, gain eye contact with your birthing partner, and they will help you control it again.
Use Imagery and Visualization
Try focusing on an object or a person, and this distracts some of the pain. Try to relax, possibly play some music in the background.
Take a Warm Shower or Bath
Having a bath in warm water relaxes the muscles, therefore, relaxing your body. It can also help bring on labour.
Keep Moving to Relieve Labour Pains
Have a walk around the room or the hospital, try swaying, leaning, squatting. You will find the position that is best for you.
Seek Relief with Warm or Cool Compresses
Use a heat pack or cold pack to soothe painful areas. Some women prefer hot water bottles, whereas some prefer cold ice packs.
Indulge in Gentle Touch or Massage
Having a massage or someone stroking your arm etc. can really help to relax.
