Comfort Measures during Labor

Is labor painful? What kind of pain is it?

This is a question I hear so often, the answer to which I am always so glad to give!

No pain, no gain is not just a saying for the Gym-goers….It is true to any gain I guess. Pain is a natural and important part of labor. If you have ever asked a woman to describe to you what labor pain is like, you get varied expression most of which do not give you a real description of this kind of pain. My theory, it is a kind of pain that is unique to the gain, hence the reason why most women cannot describe it. One can only experience it in child bearing. I continue to theorize, because you do not need to register it, it is stored in your subconscious mind…so no clear memories…

There are several good approaches to pain relief that are effective throughout labor that everyone in labor should try. Any of the following approaches with which you feel comfortable can be used during your labor:

• Walking does help
• Water therapy (shower or tub) helps relax your muscles. Be careful though, it could slow down labor
• Sitting or leaning on a birthing ball or rocking chair
• Keeping a restful environment in your labor room (quiet, low lighting, soothing music). Carefully select support people for a calm environment
• Using various positions (all fours, sitting on toilet, kneeling, squatting, pelvic rock) and supporting with pillows if necessary
• Massage/back rubs by support person, watch the muscles though, the need for a massage may change in the course of labor.
• Abdominal breathing could be deep and slow combined with shallow and fast at the peak of a contraction
• Effleurage (light massage of abdomen), very soothing. Can be combined with the rhythmic breathing
• Having your partner or a support person rub a tennis ball over your lower back
• Applying warm or cold compresses
• Using relaxation techniques
• Prayers or religious ceremonies
• Guided meditation using calming imagery

Utilizing several comfort techniques is an excellent way to involve first-time partners in supporting and working with you in the childbirth process.

Try practicing the different comfort measures during early labor to determine your most preferred one

When in labor remember, you really are not in pain, you are just having painful contractions.