5 Ways to Manage Labor Pains Naturally
There are many joys that come with having a baby, but labor pain is not one of them. Labor pain is a natural part of giving birth, though. It is caused by contractions of the uterus that are pushing your baby down the birth canal and into the world. Every woman reacts differently to labor pains. You can’t know how it will affect you until it happens. Being prepared with numerous pain management tools is the best way to go. Here are some natural ways that have been proven to help ease labor pains, whether or not you choose to have additional pain management options
1. Relaxation
The best first step in managing pain is to try to be as relaxed as possible. The more stress you have, the more tense your body will be, which can make labor pain worse. The goal is to approach your labor with as relaxed a mindset as possible. Remember that this pain is natural and has a purpose. Talk to a yoga instructor about prenatal poses, listen to music, adjust the lighting in the room—anything to make the situation less stressful.
2. Breathing
One of the best ways to stay relaxed and manage pain is to focus on your breathing. There are many techniques that you can learn in childbirth education or Lamaze classes. The idea is to use the one that works best for you. Whether it’s quick panting or deep inhaling, the act of focusing on your breath has been shown to provide relief from labor pain. Don’t be afraid to make noises, either. Many women find that controlled moans or other sounds help to ease the pain as well. To learn more about breathing techniques, call us at (844) 308-5003 and make an appointment with Childbirth Educator today!
3. Movement
Standing, walking, squatting, or even just changing positions can both ease the pain of labor and help move the birthing process along. Bodily movement and gravity are both good ways to encourage the rotation of your baby and his or her movement through your body. Many women use the help of a birthing ball to stay moving during labor. Once you’re at the hospital and hooked up to various monitors, moving around is a little more limited. But you can still try different positions in your bed, or stand or squat alongside the bed, provided your doctor tells you it is safe. Your VCC Childbirth Educator can show you how to use a birthing ball during your appointment with her!
4. Warm Water
Many women find that warm baths or showers are a great way to ease labor pain and stay relaxed. A warm bath can relax your muscles, ease tension, and lessen the full force of your weight. Showers are good too because they allow for movement like moving from side to side or crouching, and have the added benefit of massaging sore muscles.
5. Massages
Whether it is your partner, your mother, your sister, or a close friend, the help of a supportive person will make your pregnancy a lot easier. And one of the best ways that person can help is with massage. Depending on the type of labor you experience, lower back massage can be a great relief. If that doesn’t help, foot, hand, and/or temple massages are good for a relaxing distraction from any discomfort you are experiencing.
The pain of labor is a natural and inevitable part of giving birth. Beyond the tips above, focusing on the positives will help make the pain more bearable. Just remember, you will soon enjoy the most magical moment in your life: meeting your new baby. For all your questions about labor and pregnancy, VCC’s friendly Childbirth Educators are here to help.
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(844) 308-5003
The medical information contained on this article is general in nature and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for the advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by your own physician or a qualified healthcare provider. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with your own physician or a qualified healthcare provider. Although every effort is made to ensure the information provided is accurate and timely, it is provided for convenience and should not be considered official.