Changing Positions And Distraction

Changing positions and walking around during labor hardly sound like pain relief techniques. Yet, the power of these seemingly simple things should not be underestimated. In many maternity care settings, lying down in a bed either flat on the back or in a semi-reclined position the whole time is the default.

Not every woman finds this position comfortable, and it actually makes the pushing stage less effective as it narrows the birth canal. Being able to move freely and change positions at will can definitely make labor feel a lot less painful.

Walking around during labor can speed up contractions and gives you a helping hand — gravity. Changing positions whenever and however she wants to makes a laboring woman feel like she is in charge of the situation, which she should be.

Are you a pregnant women who is hoping to retain autonomy over your body during labor and birth? Routine interventions such as electronic fetal monitoring and measuring your blood pressure may get in the way. Ask your healthcare team about this in advance, because they may be able to accommodate you. Some hospitals, and many birth centers and homebirth midwives, also have tools that specifically enable you to be as mobile as you want. Birth stools, yoga balls, and hammocks are some examples.

Distraction

What if you don't believe in self-hypnosis and are too skeptical to buy into the whole concept of water birth? Distraction is a simple tool, but one that is highly effective during early labor. Rather than focusing on your contractions (which may be appealing, because labor is new and exciting!), pretend you are not feeling them. Do other stuff instead, until you can no longer ignore labor.

If you are laboring at home, you can bake a cake, do your taxes, clean your house, or invite some friends over, or browse the internet. In hospital, you can read a book, talk to your partner, walk around the ward, possibly watch television, and perhaps knit a baby hat. Whatever other activity you can think of that will take your mind off those contractions will really help.

Other things that some people would list as separate pain relief techniques also fall into this category. Massage, listening to calming music, or praying are all activities that can distract you from labor. Having a birth doula present will keep you distracted as well, and even aromatherapy could fall into this category.