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Pain Relief for Natural Childbirth
Your website is almost like being in our natural childbirth class again! ~Michelle
But most people look at you like you're crazy when you talk about natural birth! They just can't imagine why you'd make that choice.
There are good reasons for choosing to labor without drugs or interventions. Research has shown that natural childbirth is best for you and for baby.
Even though you know this you may still worry about how you'll cope with labor.
There are things you'll instinctively do that will help ease your pain. Listen to your own body (the Pink Kit teaches you how to know your body) - this is one of the best things you can do during your labor and birth.
I've created a practical pain relief checklist so you can have a handy checklist of suggestions during birth.
This article is divided into three parts:
- Part 1: Planning
- Part 2: Perceptions
- Part 3: When You're in Labor
Relaxation
One of the most useful skills you'll take into labor is the ability to relax.
To birth your baby your body needs to be relaxed. Tense, tight muscles make it harder for your body to open.
A guided relaxation helps you condition your body to relax. I used one during my first pregnancy and was amazed by how naturally relaxation came during labor - I was so impressed I used the guided relaxation daily during my second and third pregnancies.
See a complete article on relaxation for more information.
Affirmation and Visualization
You can give birth to your baby. Your body is designed for it.
Use your pregnancy to daily affirm that your body is ready for this. Tell yourself "my body is opening for my baby." Or "my baby knows how to come down my birth canal."
Think of other affirmations and repeat them to yourself daily. Say them out loud. Post them around your house.
You will believe them, and in believing, you will help your natural childbirth happen.
Spend time visualizing your labor. Your natural childbirth will unfold differently than you imagine - but your visualizations will influence your labor and birth.
Picture your body opening like a beautiful flower. Picture your baby moving down through your birth canal.
Visualizations and affirmations really help you believe in your body. They also help overcome negative scripts that our culture tends to program into women. Try it.
Your Companions
Those with you during labor will have a huge effect on your natural childbirth. Choose carefully who will support you during your baby's birth.
Your partner can be an excellent companion during your labor. Some women will feel more comfortable with their mother, sister, or best friend by their side during labor. There is something about a woman's touch, especially a woman who has given birth herself.
Many expectant moms hire a doula - even if you have a labor partner already a doula has immense wisdom about natural childbirth and will be able to help you through each stage of labor.
Your Location
Will having a natural childbirth be a possibility in the place you have chosen to give birth?
If you select a homebirth or a birth center birth, you can be pretty confident that your wishes for a natural birth will be honored and encouraged. In the hospital it may be a bit harder to have a natural childbirth but it is possible. (I've collected lots of natural hospital birth stories - take a look!)
No matter where you're giving birth stay at home as long as possible. At home you won't feel "put on the spot" or "observed." At home you'll also be free to eat and drink as you please - and you'll have no IV or fetal monitor belt attached to you. You won't be forced to remain in bed.
When you do go to the hospital or birth center you may want to take some things with you. Take your own pillows and your own gown. Take a picture you love or a special trinket. During natural childbirth you'll probably enjoy quiet, warmth, and low lighting.
Remember the skills you practice during pregnancy will help you no matter where you birth - relaxation, body awareness, controlled breathing - The Pink Kit will give you these skills. I highly recommend it.
Finding Comfort in the Early Stages
During the early stages of natural childbirth you may not be completely sure (or completely convinced!) that you're in labor. Or you could have a strong hunch.
If it's daytime do what you'd normally do. Maybe you can take a walk and then have a rest. Or get out in the garden, play with your other children, or clean your kitchen ;)
If it's nighttime go to sleep! You'll wake up if you need to. And if you get a good night's sleep you'll be very grateful for the rest before you move into heavy labor.
Some mothers enjoy going out for a relaxed dinner when they're in early labor. They may be feeling slightly crampy and unsure if "this is it" or not. The dinner helps relax them and gives them food they need for labor. I know that a delicious bowl of black bean soup gave me the fuel I needed for the natural childbirth of my second baby!
The Pink Kit recommends asking yourself "what do I want to be doing right now?" It's a great way of catching yourself if you're getting anxious. It's fine to anticipate labor but you want to be well rested! Don't exhaust yourself fretting through early labor.
Eat and drink as you want to. And move! Movement helps your baby and it helps you open up. Follow your body's signals and use the natural childbirth skills you've learned to move on through labor and meet your baby :D
- Part 2: Natural Childbirth Perceptions
- Part 3: When You're in Labor
- Practical Pain Relief Checklist
- The Pink Kit Method for Birthing Better - my top recommendation for learning the skills you need to have a great birth in any situation.