Natural Pain Relief

AprilW20

This is my first time having a baby and I want to give birth naturally. I'm not actually due until the end of February, but thought I'd try to learn some stuff now. So I was wondering what kind of natural pain relief helped you through delivery or that you intend to use to help you through (acupressure, breathing techniques, massage, hot/cold therapy, etc.)?

barista411

Water, both tub and shower, was an incredible form of natural pain relief while in labor with my first. I will be utilizing it again with this baby. I have also been practicing relaxation, daily affirmations, and aromatherapy. My MW also messaged my back during my last labor and it was fantastic. Hopefully I have the same MW so she can do it again or I might have to convince DH to try it this time

aylafsu88

Laboring in the tub was a huge help.  The warm water took the edge off my contractions.  I had intense back labor.  Counter pressure really helped with that and made it manageable.  I also found positioning to be important.  For me hands and knees was the best position to deal with the pain.  I spent almost my whole labor on hands and knees.  I had to try several positions first but once I figured out where I was the most comfortable, I stuck with that position.

Arielle27

Back massage/pressure and water (hot shower)!!

calibr8te

Anyone use a TENS machine? A friend of mine swore by it for her  labour and told me I had to get my hands on one. It's the first I heard of it, so anyone else out there try it?

KTdidit

For the ladies that used aromatherapy, what scents did you use and how? Candles, oils etc?

rooftop

laboring in a tub, massage, breathing, counter pressure, and if you have back labor sterile water papules are a godsend

barine

music in the background to keep me sane, massage on pain area especially at waist and thighs, warm shower,  good popsicle, meditating on God's word regarding delivery and changing positions often.

headgear03

Water water water ! I have had four natural births , three of which I labored and delivered in the water four . The contractions are so much less intense in the water then out . Also position . I too am a hands and knees laborer and birther though I did labor some of my fourth labor on the birthing ball but my contractions wernt as intense at that point . I don't like people touching me when I'm in pain so massage was out and even though I had wanted to try music with my first we forgot everything at home .

barista411

kaholland4 said:

For the ladies that used aromatherapy, what scents did you use and how? Candles, oils etc?

I didn't use aromatherapy with my first but I plan to with this LO. I have a Yoga Room, Body and Mat Mist. I spray my yoga mat and when I do yoga and spray my bedroom when I meditate and do affirmations so my mind begins to associate that scent with relaxation. While I am in labor I plan to spray the room and and my hospital gown periodically.

I like the spray because most hospitals will not allow candles and oil can be a bit strong and overwhelming for me.

Here is a link to the spray and they have 3 scents that focus on different things.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00AHQWHL2?vs=1

joyfultrex

walking was the best for early labor. I almost didn't feel the contractions while I was up and moving, and it helped move things along. I then used a hot bath and a birthing ball. Breathing didn't work for me, I actually held my breath through each contraction, which is not recommended, but I say if it helps you, do whatever.

jackersCU

I spent most of my labor in the bathtub. It was wonderful!! Also, I took a prenatal yoga class (had been taking yoga for about 1 year before pregnancy) and the breathing/focusing techniques really work. I actually used one of the poses for childbirth. I would say maybe get into a yoga studio if you have a chance before baby arrives. Good luck!!!