Many women opt for natural methods of pain relief during labour, of which there are many. It is a common misconception that natural means more painful, but it doesn’t have to be. There are plenty of options to manage labour pain using safe and natural methods.

Labour itself is a natural process, but the term ‘natural childbirth’ refers to giving birth without the use of medication or anaesthesia. Instead, natural methods are used, such as breathing, visualisation, staying active, and other complementary therapies.

What natural methods are available to me?

Staying active

This may seem counterintuitive, seeing as contractions are so intense and the tendency may be to rest in between each one. But being active in labour has been shown to help women cope with the pain as well as reduce the length of labour. Historically, women have always been active in labour, but the medicalization of childbirth led to an acceptance that women lay down, which has also become the most common picture of labour in the West. Although some types of analgesia will hinder your ability to move around during labour, if you have the capacity, listening to your intuitive responses to moving your body during labour can help to reduce the pain.

Relaxation techniques

There are many techniques you can use to relax during labour, which will help you stay calm and attuned to your body. These techniques include focused breathing, listening to music, and even humming or singing along to one of your favourite tunes during each contraction. You may also like to listen to a recorded meditation. Using the breath during labour can be one of the best natural pain relievers available. Learning how to breathe slowly and steadily can help you stay calm and relaxed and therefore have the power to significantly ease the pain. The tendency may be to hold your breath during each contraction, but your midwife will be there to keep reminding you to steady your breath.

TENS

TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and is a small electrical device that reduces pain using an electrical current. This battery-operated device can be used during labour as well as at the end of pregnancy (after 36 weeks) if you have backaches or Braxton Hicks’ contractions.

The machine has thin wires that are connected to four electrodes or sticky pads that are taped to your lower back. The idea is that electrical impulses are sent from the device along nerve roots to the pain pathways in the brain, therefore blocking the pain impulses. It is thought to also produce enkephalins and endorphins—"feel"good" chemicals—helping to modulate the brain. TENS is a popular option because you can hold the device yourself during labour and increase the strength of the electrical impulses with a button as your contractions get more intense. There are no known side effects, and it is completely safe for you and the baby. It also allows you to remain active and can be used alongside gas and air. The disadvantage is that it doesn’t really work for extreme pain, and it can be challenging to receive a back massage because of the sticky pads. It is also not possible to have a water birth or an epidural using this device.

Warm water

Being in warm water is an excellent way to cope with labour pains. The warmth of the water can have a soothing effect on the muscles, helping you feel more relaxed, and the buoyancy of being in the water can take pressure off the pelvis. In recent years, water births have become more and more available, and many birth centres and maternity units will provide birthing pools. If you would like to deliver your baby in the water, check with the hospital policies to see if there are any midwives trained in water births. It is also possible to hire a birthing pool to use in your home.

Hypnosis

The process of using visualisation and deep breathing techniques to promote relaxation and eliminate fear has become a very popular method of reducing the pain of labour and is referred to as “hypnobirthing”. Fear is believed to prevent the release of endorphins and enkephalins, “feel-good” chemicals, so the idea of eliminating fear means that women are able to give birth naturally. While you are hypnobirthing, you are fully aware of your body and what is going on around you, but you may feel as if you are daydreaming. You can attend hypnobirthing classes from around 25 weeks of pregnancy to learn the techniques before birth.

What are some natural pain reliefs during labour (Part Two)?

How can I relieve labour pain naturally (Part One)?

Get active or try TENS, warm water or hypnosis, says Unii’s Giving Birth Journey.