As your due date begins to draw close, you start to get anxious and you may end up in a pool of questions. Being a first-time mom, I ended up with a lot of “what ifs” because of the labor stories I had come across. According to experts, many new moms, as well as those who are experienced, usually get labor jitters. So, how can you deal with the pain, anxiety, and discomfort that surrounds labor and delivery? Well, I have outlined below some of the tips and techniques that can be very helpful.
Acupuncture
It involves the use of fine needles which are placed at different points on your body to reduce pain. These needles stimulate the production of endorphins, the feel-good hormones. Acupuncture is a practice that has been used for centuries and it originates from China. It’s perfect for treating acute pain, especially intense labor contractions. It’s believed that this non-pharmacologic treatment option opens the energy channels in the body. Needles are usually inserted at certain points to unblock the energy channels, restoring balance and easing the pain.
Note that capture is safe for use during labor and it won’t affect the baby or the mother. If you are going to use this method, ensure that the needles are inserted in areas that won’t restrict your movements i.e. in the ear. Additionally, you will need to employ the services of an acupuncturist who is well-versed in this area.
Homeopathy
This is an all-natural treatment approach that involves easing symptoms of pain and discomfort by using a highly-diluted plant-based supplement. What I love about homeopathy is that it uses the principle of “like cures like”. When the natural supplement is taken in high doses, it produces the same symptoms as the condition it’s expected to treat. If you are in labor, homeopathic arnica is great for easing the pain that comes from intense contractions. If you are anxious and feeling stressed, you can take chamomilla or belladonna to stabilize your moods and calm your mind.
Reflexology
This is another great way of dealing with labor discomforts. Reflexology involves massaging of the reflex zones on the feet which correspond with various parts of the body. Although extra pressure is the last thing that you might want during this time, this type of massage helps to reduce muscle tension. Having my partner rub my feet during labor worked wonders on my mind, reducing the intensity of my contractions. If you are in labor, you can get your nurse or partner to do this.
Hypnosis or Hypnotherapy
Hypnosis is normally used to treat anxiety disorders and depression. However, it can be used during labor for an anxiety-free and painless experience. It involves the use of breathing and self-visualization techniques which help to induce a relaxed feeling. Anxiety and fear during labor prevent the body from releasing the feel-good hormones i.e. endorphins. However, if all these are eliminated, it becomes very easy and painless to give birth naturally. Hypnotherapy allows the mind and the body to become connected. Using Hypnos-Birthing makes you be fully aware of what’s happening but you will feel less worried and more comfortable even when you’re experiencing contractions.
Water Therapy
This is one of the best ways of easing pain and discomfort during labor. I cannot insist on the importance and effect of warm water on the body when you are about to give birth. Opting to go for water birth made it easier for me to cope with labor pain. Warm water soothes the body and relaxes the muscles, making intense contractions bearable. Additionally, the buoyancy that’s provided by water relives pelvic pressure.
Water therapy is a blissful experience that makes you forget if you are having painful contractions. I recommend this therapy because all you need is water and a bathtub which can be found at home and in certain hospitals. It reduces your perception of pain, takes the baby’s weight off the spine and allows you to feel weightless.
Labor and natural child delivery can transform you but that doesn’t mean that you need to suffer. There are many simple options that you can use to make this whole experience less painful. As much everyone has a different pain threshold, these methods have proved to be effective and you should definitely consider one of them.