Navigating labour and birth can be a rollercoaster of emotions - exciting, but also a bit overwhelming (or a lot). One common concern we see for many expectant parents is how to manage their pain during labour. At The Birth Store, we get it. We want you to feel ready, empowered, and in control, which is why we've put together this handy guide on your pain relief options.
Whether you’re drawn to natural methods, considering medical support, or thinking of a bit of both, we’ll walk you through the options to help you find what’s right for you - because in labour, making informed choices is key to feeling empowered and confident!
So, let’s start au naturel.
Natural Pain Relief Methods
If you prefer to go the natural route, there are some great, effective options to help ease your pain. Let’s get into them;
Breathing Techniques and Visualisation
Breathing techniques and visualisation can be super effective for helping you feel more calm, in control, and even for dulling those pain sensations. Hypnobirthing classes teach you how to focus on your breath and provide you with a range of tools to get you through your labour - helping with both anxiety and pain.
Water Immersion
A popular option is water immersion. Whether it’s a birthing pool, bath, or even a warm shower, water can really help take the edge off and the buoyancy supports your body, helping to make contractions feel less intense.
Sterile Water Injections
Sterile water injections involve injecting small amounts of sterile water just under the skin in the lower back. This technique is used to alleviate the intense back pain that some women experience during labour.
Birth Comb and Spiky Massage Ball
Let’s not forget the birth comb and the spiky massage ball - both fantastic tools for pain relief that work on your acupressure points, providing relief and helping you stay focused. Both tools also give you something to do with your hands other than squeezing your partner's (oops!).
TENS Machine (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
And of course last but certainly not least, and our favourite option - I swear we’re not biassed - is the TENS machine.
This handy device uses gentle electrical pulses to help manage pain without any invasive procedures.
Here’s how it works:
- It overloads your nervous system with electrical pulses, which helps block pain signals and reduce discomfort. This is based on the 'Gate Control Theory of Pain', which suggests that when your brain is busy processing these pulses, it has less capacity to focus on the pain.
- TENS machines may boost your body's natural endorphins - those feel-good chemicals that act as natural pain relievers and make you feel more relaxed.
- The machine provides a helpful distraction by shifting your attention from the pain to the pulses.
- And lastly, many people find that using a TENS machine gives them a sense of control during labour, which can be incredibly empowering when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Medical Pain Relief Options
Now, if you’re someone who prefers some medical support - no judgement here, whatever works for you - then these next few ideas might be useful. You can use these alone or alongside some of the natural options to create a comprehensive pain management plan that suits your needs and helps you feel more comfortable and in control during labour.
Epidurals
Epidurals are a well-known choice that provide significant relief by numbing the lower half of your body, making those intense contractions much more manageable. This can be a game-changer, especially if you’re in for a long labour. Just keep in mind that they can limit your mobility and might slow things down a bit. But for many, the comfort and relief they provide make it all worthwhile.
Gas and Air
Gas and air (Entonox) is another option that involves breathing in a mix of oxygen and nitrous oxide. It kicks in quickly and lets you stay mobile during labour, making it a flexible and easy-to-use choice for pain relief.
Pethidine Injections and Morphine
Pethidine injections can offer significant relief and keep you somewhat mobile, although they might make you feel a bit drowsy. Morphine is another similar option that provides strong pain relief and can help you rest between contractions.
Final Notes
Choosing how to manage pain in labour is a personal decision. What works for one person might not work for another, so it’s important to explore your options and find what feels right for you. Whether you lean towards natural methods, medical interventions, or a mix of both, our goal is to help you have a positive and empowering birth experience.
Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone. Reach out to your care provider for extra guidance and support if needed. And if you’re considering a TENS machine for your labour toolkit, we're here to help!
What pain relief options are you considering for your labour? Let us know if you found this information helpful in narrowing down your choices!
