Some ideas for natural pain relief in labour, that you’ll most likely have at your disposal, even in an unplanned birth!

Water

Warm water is a muscle relaxant, and can take the edge off contractions. Some ideas for utilising water are:

• Directed spray from the shower, to where it provides the most relief
• Use a birth pool.
• Use the bath
• Have a bucket filled with VERY hot water, and cloth nappies, wring the nappies out (you might want gloves) and put the hot nappies on your back and tummy, wherever it provides the most relief.

For a bit more nurturing, you can use aromatherapy oils in the bath while you labour (see here for oil blending ideas)

Doulas

Ok, granted you may not have a doula lying around home, but with a planned labour, a doula can help you “hold the space” and provide the encouragement to move through your contractions. They’ll also be able to advise on massage and labouring positions.

Doulas  can be a real godsend in labour, and post birth – helping you establish breastfeeding, and get off to a good start with your newborn.

Movement and Positions

Moving with your body, and listening to its cues, can provide a more comfortable experience. If you’re most comfy standing – stand. If you’re happiest sitting on a stool – sit. Move to where you are provided with the most comfort and relief.

Squatting and upright positions give you the most pelvic space to allow the baby to pass through – lying semi-reclined, significantly reduces the space the baby has to manouvre  in.

A doula or midwife might be able to help you move into effective and comfortable labouring positions.

Staying upright, and in motion can help release endorphins, your bodies natural pain relief.  Try:

• Rocking (Try a rocking chair if you like, or just rock while leaning on a bed, or fit ball)
• Swaying
• Bouncing on a birthing ball
• Pivoting your hips (gently)
• Stomping your feet
• Squatting using a fit ball (don’t expend that precious energy)

Homeopathics

Utilising homeopathic remedies can reduce anxiety, take the edge off pain, and help you stay calm. It’s a good idea to speak to a registered homeopath before going into labour. However certain remedies are useful and available over the counter – such as Rescue Remedy

Massage/Counter Pressure

If you can afford to hire a swedish masseusse called Sven, do it!! If you’re a bit more like me, and have a partner, who’s never massaged more than my feet…. you might want a few ideas up your sleeve.

• Rub where it feels best.
• Use a rolling pin, or tennis ball for counter pressure – it also helps to keep hands less tired.
• Use something to lubricate your skin – massage oil, cornflour, baby oil.

Read up on accupressure points for labour. And if you have a doula, they’ll most likely be able to suggest some techniques to try.

Vocalising

Channelling your pain through your voice can also release endorphins, and distract you from pain. Many women find it helpful to moan, or roar, or even moo. The trick is to keep the energy of your voice, low, and gutteral.