Sterile Water Injections??
I am planning a home birth and even if I wind up at the hospital, I am flat out refusing an epidural for my own personal reasons.
I asked my MW about methods of pain relief while doing a home birth and she mentioned sterile water injections. I had never heard of this until today.
Has anyone heard of this or tried it for pain relief during labour?? She also mentioned a TENS Machine, which I had never heard of.
Does anyone have any thoughts/advice on these methods of pain relief??
Re: Has anyone used...
With DD, I researched both of these methods, and found that there is no conclusive evidence either one works to relieve labor pains. My research showed that sterile water injections are actually somewhat painful, and though TENS units are used in relieving other types of pain (usually back pain in physical therapy patients), there's no evidence that they relieve regular contractions.
Personally, I wouldn't even bother with the sterile water injections, since they can be painful. The TENS unit might be worth a try, but it won't necessarily help any more than any other regular coping methods (vocalizations, movement, ritual, water, etc...).
I have used a TENS in the past for my back pain - but my dr has told me to keep clear of all of that stuff as they don't want any sort of any current reaching the baby (not that it will - but there aren't a ton of studies on it apparently?)