After experiencing a grueling 24-hour labor, I found these tips particularly useful for tolerating labor pains without an epidural.

 

Although childbirth has been said to be one of the most painful experiences known to man, there are many techniques people use to cope with the pain, which allows them to have their baby without the use of pain medications.

 

As every person experiences pain differently and has various tolerances for pain, it’s important to try various methods to see which ones work (and don’t work) for you during your childbirth experience.

 

·      Deep Breathing.  Taking deep breaths, in through your nose and out through your mouth, allows your body to relax, distracts you from pain you are experiencing and can bring you into a meditative state.

·      Movement.  Some people find walking, standing, slow-dancing and pelvic rocking (side to side or in circles) useful during labor to ease the pain.  Being upright helps the baby descend with the downward force of gravity shortening the labor and the amount of time you’re in pain.

·      Massage.  Practicing self-massage or having a partner massage your head, neck, back, legs or feet can be a huge comfort during labor.  Some, however, can’t tolerate being touched during labor. 

·      Pressure.  I found motionless pressure on my coccyx to be extremely useful in relieving the pain I felt in my back.  In the transition stage of labor, I found pressure applied to both hips helpful.

·      Positions.  Squatting, kneeling, leaning against a wall or over a bed, sitting on a birth ball, chair or even the toilet are all different positions people have found helpful in finding comfort during their contractions.  It’s important to try one through a few contractions to see which one works best for you.

·      Humming.  Some find humming useful in calming themselves and relaxing their muscles during labor. 

·      Screaming or making animalistic noises.  Many use this technique during the transition and birthing of the baby as a release to cope with pain. 

·      Focal point.  Many find focusing on a particular item (could be a favorite knick-knack or even something on your partner’s clothing) a good distraction from the pain.

 

Some or all of these tips may be useful to a laboring woman for enduring the pain of childbirth without the use of pain medication.