How to Relieve Labor Pains Naturally

Although labor is a painful experience, some women still decide to forgo the medications available to help relieve the pain. If you plan to give birth naturally, there are steps you can take to help you deal with the pain during the labor process.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Learn hypnosis. Hypnosis allows the woman in labor to relax and imagine herself in a serene environment. Remain relaxed and find relief from the labor pains.

2. Use water during labor. Giving birth in water is one way that women find relief from labor pains. Many hospitals now provide birthing tubs for a laboring woman to soak in.

3. Put warm compresses on your body. A natural labor pain reliever is to place warm compresses on your back and neck to alleviate discomfort.

4. Change positions often. Since you are not hooked up to an IV delivering pain medications, you can move around more freely. Walking or kneeling on your hands and knees are two positions that you can try to relieve labor pains.

5. Get a massage. Your partner or a doula can massage you to help relax you and relieve any back labor pain.

6. Invest in a birthing ball. Birthing balls help you achieve relaxing positions during labor. Practice using the ball with your partner prior to labor.

Tips & Warnings

• Some women decide to use acupressure or acupuncture to relieve labor pains. Speak to your practitioner about using these methods.
• If you do decide to use drugs to alleviate the pain, you can still use these natural methods in the beginning stages of labor.