8 Effective Ways For Natural Pain Relief During Labor

Once the happy excitement that your baby is finally arriving wears off, the imminent pain of going into labour sets in and soon you are yelling at your baby’s daddy to call the nurse for an epidural, or else…

While it is perhaps easy to forgive the Pain Gods once you have held your baby for the first time, when you are in actual labour there is no word in any language that could possibly describe the sensations accurately. Unfortunately, even the epidural is a while away and only given once you’ve entered the last stages of labour.

We’ve rounded off some pain relief options that you could consider while waiting for the epidural. All of these fall into the natural category so all you mindful mums can heave a double sigh of relief now.

In This Article

1. Doulas

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A doula is a caregiver who offers emotional and non-medical physical support to not just you but also your partner during the birth process. You can take on a doula for both pre- and post-natal care. It has been found that women and their birth partners who use doulas tend to ask for fewer epidurals, lower the need for c-sections, and are able to have a shorter labour period.

2. Water

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Water is touted as a natural cure for many ailments, and although labour is not an ailment water can help relax the pressure and progress the labour with lesser pain. The woman would have to be immersed abdomen-deep in water and remain so during the entire first stage of labour.

3. Naturopathy

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A naturopath may be able to offer pain relief options that will not affect your baby or the quality and taste of your milk during breastfeeding.

4. Massage

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There’s never a bad time to get a massage, but a few healing, loving strokes on your lower back can go a long way in relaxing and calming you. By having your partner do this, he can focus his attention on something other than anxiety.

5. Environment

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This goes right along with massages. Create a relaxing or jovial environment as per your taste – a room filled with your best friends to make you laugh and keep up the chatter or one with candles and relaxing music to be enjoyed with your partner. This could also include aromatherapy oils for massage or candles.

6. Heat packs

Not just for thigh pain after an intense work-out, heat packs can ease pain during labour and also after the birthing process. Be cautious about the heat levels though; your skin may be more sensitive than usual.

7. Snacking

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Although eating is probably the last thing on your mind during labour, eating light and easily digestible foods will also remind you to stay hydrated (the ice chips are not enough!). This will help you stay awake and recharge your energies.

8. Acupuncture

This is tricky because of the non-availability in many cultures. But if you do find a reputable acupuncturist willing to work with you during labour, check with your doctor and hospital if you can avail of their services.

Consider the options available to you and make the right of choice because it is your baby and you should decide what goes into your body and cross the placenta and affect your baby. While most of these are non-invasive and non-pharmalogical, always ensure that you check with your medical team whether you can avail of any of these options. Your medical team or your doula will know your history, and will hence be in the best position to advise you.

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