Having a baby is hard work, and part of that work is getting through the pain. But don't panic. There are more ways than ever to manage that pain, and you don't have to choose just one. The trick is to know as many ways to deal with it as you don’t know what’s going to work until you’re actually in the delivery room! And what helps you at one point can change 5 minutes later.
So take a deep breath (good practice for later) and prepare to enter the wide world of pain management!
Relax
The most important thing you need to relax during labour is your mind. The idea is simple -- when you fear pain, you tense up, which makes the pain worse, which makes you tense up more. Try to stay in the moment and not spend the precious pain-free minutes stressing about the pain you just had and what is to come.
Breathe
To stay relaxed, it's crucial to pay attention to your breathing, the same way you do when you're lifting weights. Whether you're hee-ing or haa-ing, panting or deep inhaling, as long as you're focusing on your breath and releasing it, you'll find some relief. And don't feel inhibited about making strange loud noises! Try strong low-pitched moans rather than high-pitched horror-movie screams, which tend to make the throat tight and tense.
Move around
Walking, swaying, changing positions, and rolling on a birthing ball can not only ease the pain but can help your labour progress by using the force of gravity to your advantage and encouraging the movement and rotation of the baby down through the pelvic canal. In a hospital setting, being hooked up to fetal monitors, IVs, and pain medicine can limit your walking, but you can still try positions like hands and knees in the bed or standing, squatting, or sitting by the side of the bed.
Massage
Massage may be a bit of an understatement when it comes to the kind of pressure most women need for relief during labour. Even if you don't find that counterpressure reduces the pain, having your partner rub your feet or massage your hands or temples can distract you, relax you, and generally make you feel cared for, which is a major morale boost.
Article was adapted from Parents.com
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