Going through labor is certainly not an easy process and a big part of it is to get past that pain. You’ve probably had nightmares about how painful your labor can be. You’ve probably heard other mommies talking about their back pain, sore muscles, and ripping-like cervix dilation. And yet you don’t want to rely on any painkilling drugs that may harm your baby…That’s alright, you’re here now with us! We will walk you through the 8 ways to manage your labor pain without the use of any medication.
1. Get a Hot Water Bottle
Place your hot water bottle on your lower back to soothe the pain and relax your muscles. The heat helps relieves the stress in your muscles and comforts your body. Try with a softcover or a scented cover for even better relaxations.
2. Get Your Essential Oils
A great lavender smell can help you relax your body and soothes the tension in your muscles. Other essential oils that work well in labor are Clary Sage oil, Jasmine and Citrus scents, and Lemongrass or Mandarin scents. You can light up a scented candle, take a few drops on your handkerchief, or rub some massage oil on your skin for the effects.
3. Get a Doula
You may think that having another person by your bedside is a little excessive, but don’t underestimate the calming effects when you know there’s someone beside you throughout your labor. Previous surveys have shown that more than 15,000 moms find that having a doula who offers continuous support leads to better experiences in pain relief.
4. Try Breathing Exercises
Breathing exercises can sound a bit insignificant at first, you’d probably think “Haven’t we been breathing every day since birth? Who needs lessons on how to breathe?” It may be of your surprise, but breathing exercises have actually been an essential part of antenatal classes for a long time. In the exercises, you learn about the importance of paying attention to your breathing, especially to the rhythms and the length of each breath. You will not only gain a sense of confidence and control over your body, but you will also feel more concentrated and focused when you practice breathing in deep, calm breathes. Go to a drop-in yoga or meditation class and get started now!
5. Try Hypnobirthing
Hypnobirthing is a type of pain relief practice that can be used during labor and delivery. It mixes in visualization and mindfulness techniques with breathing exercises to take pain management to a new level. Together with controlled breathing, Hypnobirthing can help you balance your stress hormones and reduce any excessive anxiety or restlessness. Try to look for Hypnobirthing classes or read it up and practice it at home – You’ll be able to relax more during your actual labor, be more in control of your body and ease that pain and stress.
6. Try a TENS Machine
Disturb your pain signals from going to the spinal cord and your brain using electrical stimulation – That may have sounded too “techy” for a moment, but it isn’t unrealistic, especially with the advanced technology we have nowadays. A TENS machine has 2 sticky electrode pads that you can stick to your body to perform a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. It is a small device operated by a battery that sends tiny electrical impulses to the affected area of your body. When the machine is switched on, you feel a tinge and a stimulating sensation that help reduce the pain signals going through your central nervous system. Speak to a physiotherapy specialist to try on a TENS machine and feel the tingling sensation!
7. Enlighten Yourself with Good Food and Drinks
It’s possible to miss out on a meal or two when you have to take everything with you and rush to the hospital, call your partner, and finally getting yourself ready for the big moment. You might not feel hungry, but it’s always nice to remind yourself to keep your intake of food and fluid. Having low blood sugar or dehydration can make you feel tired and you’re less in control of your body sensations or emotions.
Check here to find out the list of food that are natural painkillers.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Labor pain can be really hard to work around, so don’t feel frustrated if one of those methods doesn’t work for you at the time! What helps at one point can really change moments later. Keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to try different ways to help you soothe the pain. Be strong Mummies!
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