Bringing new life into the world is a profound journey, and understanding the intricacies of labor and delivery is key to navigating this transformative experience. From the initial signs of labor to the stages of childbirth and beyond, each moment is a testament to the strength and resilience of both mother and child. We've pulled together some ways to empower expectant parents to approach childbirth with confidence and clarity. Explore the options and preparations for one of life's most remarkable events and ways to make it as pain free as possible.
1. Change Birthing Positions
Many women can vouch that changing positions frequently during labor helped to decrease the pain and pressure intensity. Going from laying down on the bed to standing and rocking can help make the labor pains slightly less painful. The Mayo Clinic has a few different birthing positions to choose from.
2. Soak in Water
Whether you are able to soak in a tub, or birth pool, or only sit in a shower, adding water to your labor experience can drastically ease the pain. Water births have been highly recommended for women giving birth for the first time. Also, having water sprayed on you via a shower head can be a therapeutic experience as well.
3. Hydration
It could all be so simple. Staying hydrated seems to work in every area of life when it comes to health. (Losing weight, clearing toxins.) Why would it not work for childbirth? Something as little as staying hydrated can make labor a smooth process. At least it's another reason to stock up on you favorite Stanley before you head to the hospital.4. Massage
So, how about that massage you’ve been longing for? Depending on which area is bothering you most, a nice massage can ease your pain. Most commonly, women are calmed by belly, back, and/or foot massages during labor. Do not be too modest to request a comforting “rub down.” It can do wonders for your labor experience.
5. Don’t Forget to Breathe
Breathing plays a major role in mirroring our relaxation, or excitement. This is why breathing is important while experiencing labor and/or childbirth. Not only does breathing help calm you down, but it plays a vital role in increasing oxygen to the baby as they make their way down the birth canal.
6. Play Your Favorite Spotify List
As the saying goes. . . “Music is good for the soul.” Try playing some of your favorite tunes while bearing those labor pains. Not only is music a soothing tool, but it can help distract you from the discomfort you are experiencing.
We have all experienced a place and/or time that was calming and relaxing. The mind is such a powerful thing. Imagine you are at the beach laying in the sand watching waves crash. Or, picture yourself sitting in a forest watching animals scurry and leaves blow. Wherever you can go to calm yourself during those intense contractions is the place you should envision to help ease pain.
7. Medication
As much as we’d all love to have a natural birth, every woman’s pain tolerance levels are different. While natural labor is ideal for some, many women will have to utilize medication to assist them through the birthing process. Consult with your physician to choose which option is best for you.
8. Move Around
The best way to keep your body healthy is by eating nutritious foods and exercising. Surprisingly enough, this doesn’t change for labor and childbirth. Movement actually plays a huge role in pain relief. Sitting on exercise balls and moving hips in a circular motion is one way to help bring the baby down the birth canal. Also, standing with legs shoulder length apart and rocking hips from side to side is another way to bring relief by movement.
9. Try to Relax (Easier said than done, we know)
According to an article on parents.com, “One of the best ways to relax during labor is to learn to isolate different muscle groups in your body. Your uterus must contract to push the baby down and retract the cervix over the baby’s head. If other muscles are tight during contractions, you’re wasting energy and oxygen.” Just breathe softly and try to focus on happy thoughts to reduce stress.
10. Use Cold or Heat to help With Labor Pains
Using cold or heat can be effective in reducing labor pain and providing comfort during childbirth. Cold packs or ice packs applied to the lower back or abdomen can help numb pain and reduce inflammation, providing relief during intense contractions. Conversely, applying heat through warm compresses or a heating pad can relax muscles, increase blood flow, and alleviate tension. Both cold and heat therapy techniques can be valuable tools in managing labor discomfort, offering expectant mothers additional options for pain relief tailored to their preferences and needs throughout the birthing process.
