Natural Pain Management for Birthing

Having your baby naturally is very doable. There are many options out there. Keep an open mind when considering what methods will work for you. A smoother birthing experience can be achieved through a wide variety of natural pain management methods. It is common to use different techniques through different stages of the birthing process. The birthing experience is so uniquely yours – so the natural pain management you choose will be uniquely yours as well.

The really amazing thing is that some pain in child birth is largely preventable (especially the pain that is created unnaturally). All of the preventable pain can be avoided by skipping the unnatural steps – by not using drugs or any other unnatural measures. You may be seeing a pattern here – yes – natural is the key!

One of the most important techniques used is relaxation. Being relaxed and focused on that relaxation is one of the most important things you can do. Freaking out and screaming and all of those strange and unrealistic portrayals we see being depicted in shows, is just not how it is. This is not a real picture of childbirth. The image of a woman being strapped into the hospital bed and her feet flung up into the stirrups – is horrible. Who wouldn’t be scared of the pain after seeing that horrific picture? But, I won’t kid you….labor pains are…well, painful. Really and truly, getting uptight and tensing up with the pain is totally working against you.

The awesome thing is that childbirth (and its discomforts) are not unbearable and shouldn’t be horrifying. The way our bodies are naturally equipped to deal with the pain of labor is more than enough to help us complete the birthing process. We have everything we need to make it through this glorious event. That doesn’t mean birthing is easy!

One method of natural pain management is found in water therapy. Water seems to make a huge difference and definitely cuts down on a percentage of the pain felt.  A mother may want to be in water (bath or inflatable pool) during the first stages of birth and has the option to be out of the water at a later stage or deliver in the water if the attendant agrees.  Another form of natural pain management is partner massage and cuddling. The husband may stand behind you while massaging and hugging your hips (while the two of you sway back and forth). Another way is shifting and manipulating your hips while standing. You can help ease your pain and help your baby work his or her way out of the womb this way. There are also key pressure points, such as those on the lower back that when massaged or pressed with steady counter pressure are commonly known to have a real impact on labor pains.

Natural childbirth is an awesome experience…be in tune with your body and don’t be afraid to ask for suggestions for pain management from others. Few deliveries are pain free, but you can bet that the pain you may experience will soon be forgotten once you have that beautiful in your arms.