Labour and birth

Braxton Hicks | Bringing on labour | Membrane sweep and induction | First stage of labour | Transition and second stage of labour | Third stage of labour | Epidurals | Breathing during labour | Birth partners | Water births | Forceps and ventouse | Caesareans | Recovery after a c-section

Natural pain relief methods

Rest | Heat and cold | Massage | Position | Homoeopathy | Aromatherapy | Hypnotherapy | TENS 

Being in labour hurts - that's official - but exactly how it feels is virtually impossible to describe: it's unique. What's more, Mother Nature is remarkably devious - within days of holding your newborn for the first time, you'll be hard pressed to accurately recall just how their birth felt. (Frankly, if we could we'd all be one-child families.)

That said, no matter what anyone says, it's nothing like period pains (as one Mumsnetter wisely remarks: "Period pain bears as much resemblance to contractions as a cold does to pnuemonia").

Now there are those among us who deal magnificently with pain and there are those who don't. Some mums breeze through labour with little or no pain-relief, while others demand to be knocked out from the second contraction.

But while we take our hats off to any mum who performs without the aid of a safety net, how you get through your labour is entirely up to you (and not the Alpha-mum from your antenatal group who got through a 68-hour "bloody nightmare, darling" with nothing more than a designer handbag to bite down on).

Labour is not a competition (you get a wonderful, beautiful baby at the end, not a medal) and it's unpredictable. So even if you plan to give birth clenching nothing more than your trusted Mulberry Bayswater, it's worth knowing what your pain relief options are. Remember, it's OK to change your mind as your labour progresses - you certainly won't be the first.

While 'natural' pain relief methods won't have the same oomph as an epidural, there are things you can do to make your labour easier.

Why do I need to rest?

When labour starts it's easy to go into panic mode, but try to resist the urge to make like a headless chicken. You're going to need all your energy for the coming hours so ignore the ironing, step away from the Cillit Bang and ditch that urge to nest. This is your last chance for a while (18 years?) to relax and take things easy.

How do breathing techniques help during labour?

Remember your breathing techniques. No matter that you felt daft as a brush practising them in antenatal classes, when labour kicks in for real you won't give a stuff and they'll help you focus and get through each contraction.

"I had no pain relief during any of my three labours. Partly because this is France and here it's an epidural (which over 90% of women have if I remember correctly) or a big fat Nothing. Gas/air and pethidine just aren't on offer. But I did have fantastic antenatal classes, which taught me excellent breathing techniques for managing contractions. Highly, highly recommended if you don't want pain relief. Quite brilliant." Castille

"Deep, deep breaths and visualisation really calmed me down... and the knowledge that every contraction brings you closer to birthing your baby; that there will only be a finite amount of contractions. Although if I’d known quite how many contractions I would have had, perhaps I wouldn’t have been as helped by that thought?" MrsPickles

How can heat and cold alleviate labour pains?

A hot water bottle or a wheat bag that you heat in the microwave can help to alleviate backache, aching limbs and labour pains. The plus side of a wheat bag is that they mould easily to your shape, plus you can buy ones scented with lavender.

"In my opinion, the role of the hot water bottle in childbirth has been greatly underestimated. I spent virtually all my labour with one jammed into the small of my back. I found it an amazingly good form of pain relief; I honestly don't think I'd have lasted at home without it." motherinferior

Conversely, some mums find that a cold compress helps: "Rather bizarrely, an icy cold flannel on my belly helped take the edge off the cramps." littone

"Try a rice sock instead (it's virtually free). Take a largish cotton sock. Put dry, uncooked rice in until it's roughly two-thirds full. Tie a knot in the top (or use a non-metallic hairband or scrunchie). Heat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Will be lovely and warm and squishy. Will smell a bit ricey, but you can try adding dried lavender (NOT essential oil as it will burn). When it cools down, just re-heat." SueW

How can massage can help during labour?

A slow, firm back-massage from your birthing partner or a kind midwife can help get those endorphins (pain-relieving hormones) flowing. Let them know what works for you, though; don't just lie there if it's proving more annoying than relaxing.

"My labour was 'in my back' (ooh, that hurt) but my husband massaged me hard (so hard I actually had thumb prints on my back the following day and he had very sore thumbs). The massage and the fact that we were doing this together really helped." Psychomum5

"I had essential oils massaged into my back, and put into the birthing pool, which was lovely. My mum also borrowed a machine, which spread the scent of lavender around the room. I had soothing music playing, which I had been listening to throughout my pregnancy. My husband was the best help though. and gave me all the support I needed at all the right times." Peanuts1

What positions are most comfortable during labour?

If you can, try not to just lie on your back because staying upright and mobile can help both ease the pain and speed labour up.

Move around to find a position you're more comfortable in, whether that means getting down on all fours, prostrating yourself over a birthing ball or impersonating a dog cocking his leg. It doesn't matter. Who cares how ludicrous you look if it works for you?

"During my labour, you couldn't get me off my birthing ball. It was the only place I could get comfortable. I took it to hospital and sat on it there and my waters broke on it too! I was told afterwards that it probably helped my cervix dilate quicker as in that position your pelvis is more open." Corky

"It did occur to me, as I got down on all fours, that this was how I'd got into this mess in the first place..." Willow

"My incredibly hippy, active birth yoga teacher told us about a position for if it all got too much. It involved getting on all fours, putting your head down on the floor and reminding yourself that 'you always had the earth'. (Something to do with centring and grounding yourself). Anyway, I used to snigger lots in that part of the class and think how ridiculous. Come the 60th hour of contractions in an agonising back to back labour, I was hugging the earth like nobody’s business, and it really did calm me down!" MrsPickles

How can birthing partners help?

Whether it's your partner, your mum, your best mate or a doula, having a birthing partner whom you trust and know will support you can make a big difference to how you experience your labour. So while it goes against the current trend, if the father of your child doesn't want to be at the birth then you're probably best off finding someone else, rather than forcing him into a role he doesn't want.

Similarly, if he does want to be there but you're concerned he'll be as much use as a chocolate teapot it might be worth gently suggesting you have a 'sub on the bench' whom you can call on if needs be.

"My partner was brilliant; he looked after me, made me laugh, gave me hand massages, back rubs, kept me comfortable and dealt with the midwives when he felt they weren't listening to me. Finally, he delivered his daughter and that totally bonded them - which was my plan! He recognised when my blood sugar was low post-delivery and was the one feeding me chocolate. I wouldn't change it. He was the best." solo

More about birthing partners

Are water births less painful?

Using a birthing pool can make labour less painful, and studies have shown that doing so can help to significantly reduce the need for pain relief. You can use the pool for pain relief even if you're not planning to have a water birth. The buoyancy supports your whole body and can make your contractions more effective, which can speed up labour.

It doesn't work for everyone and there's some evidence to suggest that, in certain situations, it may even slow labour down.

"I spent almost my entire labour in the birthing pool. I found it the single best thing for pain relief and relaxation and it made me happy as a clam. I didn't want it to leave the house afterwards I loved it so much!" Yankunian

More about water births

What homoeopathic remedies are safe during labour?

While they won't wipe away the pain, a number of homeopathic remedies are said to help during childbirth. For instance, Kali carb is recommended for pain relief in the lumbar region, so it's supposed to be good for 'back to back' labours.

Homeopathy must be treated with caution - far better to see a registered practitioner with experience of treating women during labour than self-treat blindly.

You may be able to arrange for your homeopath to attend to you during the birth; at the very least, a decent practitioner should be able to provide a tailor-made birthing kit for you and advise you and your partner on which remedies to use in which instance.

It's worth stating in your birth plan that you intend to use homeopathy. Some doctors and midwives support the use of homeopathic remedies, others don't, so it's a good idea to flag up your intentions before you get to the labour suite.

"I tried homeopathy; I was recommended chamomillum to take non-stop during the labour. I thought it helped, although it was still a painful experience." Pupuce

"I made specific reference in my birth plan to the homoeopathic remedies I would possibly need to use and gave express permission to my birth partners to administer them to me. In the end I took Caulophyllum to help me reach that magic 10cm as it had taken hours for me to get to just 3cm, Kali Phos towards the end when I was exhausted and needed a boost, Arnica 200c just before and a couple of hours after delivery, and Arnica 30c for a few days either side of my due date to help the healing process." MamaTama

How does aromatherapy help during labour?

Not pain relief as such, but certain aromatherapy oils can help you relax during labour. Fear and pain are closely linked, so anything that helps promote a calming atmosphere is good in our book. Check you like the smell of each particular oil before you go into labour though.

If your hospital won't let you use an oil burner/diffuser, you can get a similar effect by adding a few drops of your chosen oils to a bowl of hot water. (Whatever you do, don't drink the stuff.)

Oils that may help in a warm compress include:

• Clary sage - has analgesic, sedative properties, but don't use if you're also using gas and air
• Neroli - good if you're feeling very scared or nervous
• Ylang Ylang - calming
• Lavender - calming and good for aching backs and limbs (try a warm compress) and a great antiseptic

(Lavender is a hospital bag is essential, if only because you can put a few drops in the bath afterwards to help heal your bits.)

"My midwives were trained in aromatherapy (An NHS unit! Blimey!). And despite a 44-hour labour, I didn't need anything beyond rose and lavender oil (by diffuser and massage) until the last hour. I've had three children, and it was by far the most relaxed birth I have had, despite also being by far the longest." PeachyClairHasBAdHair

"I used lavender and geranium oils in labour, just dabbed on to a tissue and sniffed it. It was comforting, though not exactly pain relieving, just gave me something to focus on." mazzystar

Is hypnotherapy safe during labour?

Studies suggest that self-hypnosis during childbirth may ease some of the pain of labour, decrease anxiety and fear, lower the risk of medical complications and reduce the need for surgery. Quite impressive stuff, really.

You can buy numerous books and CDs on the topic, but you're best bet is to probably see a registered practitioner who specialises in teaching self-hypnosis during childbirth or offers traditional hypnosis with post-hypnotic suggestion: essentially they hypnotise you during your sessions and you are then taught triggers to get you back into that state during your labour.

One method that gets regular thumbs-up is natal hypnotherapy. Developed by UK hypnotherapist Maggie Howell, you can either attend classes or listen to CDs at home in preparation.

"I used the natal hypnotherapy birth preparation CD and found it fab. I'm convinced it was the reason that I got through my entire labour on two paracetamol only! In fact, I didn't even realise I was in labour until I was fully dilated as I kept thinking 'surely labour is more painful than this?'." Sterny

What is hypnobirthing?

Hypnobirthing is billed as a 'complete birth education programme' that 'teaches simple but specific self-hypnosis, relaxation and breathing techniques for a better birth'.

Exponents believe it reduces the need for intervention and medication, shortens labour and makes for an all-round more positive birth. You can use the techniques at home, in hospital, in a birthing pool - wherever, essentially.

There's a book you can buy if you fancy teaching yourself, alternatively classes are now available across the UK. Pass the lentils.

"I used hypnobirthing. It helped me to relax and cope, but it certainly wasn't this miracle pain remover, as there was NO WAY it was pain-free. (I have had to remind my partner of this when he says to others 'oh, she used hypnobirthing and sailed through it all'. He certainly wasn't experiencing the pains I was.)" Weeonion

"Hypnobirthing worked brilliantly for me. The birth was exactly as I'd hoped and while it wasn't pain free, I never felt I couldn't manage it. The only thing I would say is to make sure you call the midwife/go into hospital in plenty of time. I was so relaxed I left it really late and the midwife arrived ten mins before my son was born. Apparently midwives are warned to take hypnobirthing mothers-to-be seriously when they say they are in labour as they're probably about to pop!" Seabird

And if all else fails...

Set the scene - yep, it's a bit hippy-dippy, but the right sounds and calm lighting can help put you at ease. So dim those lights and prime that iPod, although be prepared to rethink your playlists.

"I spent ages compiling a bag of CDs that I thought would help me relax. They did the trick early on, but once I was in established labour everything sounded like nails down a blackboard. I ended up screaming at my poor husband, who was frantically trying to DJ effectively, "just turn the ******* thing off." AbbyMN

Vocalise - if you want to swear, scream, grunt or babble in tongues, then do so. Better out than in, say we.

"I screamed my head off! I never thought I would but it felt really good - I think it scared my partner." Lauraloola

"My partner was shocked at the noises I was able to make on each push. And I have to say I was unaware I could be so loud!" Marlabaria

"I found that vocalising - OK, mooing - rather than screaming, helped me manage the pain of contractions, and, while perhaps not serene, didn't stop me feeling calm." Dramasequalzero

Paracetamol

Paracetamol can help to take the edge of those early contractions, but it's unlikely to help with the latter stages (it's a bit like trying to fight off a rampaging elephant with a feather duster). It's generally considered to be safe to use during pregnancy but, as with any medication, check with your midwife first.

How do TENS machines help with labour pains?

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation is a mouthful at the best of times, let alone when you're in labour - hence the acronym TENS. A small electronic device, usually between the size of a personal stereo (remember them?) and a mobile phone, TENS delivers electrical impulses across the skin. This is meant to help reduce pain by blocking the nerve signals carrying pain messages to your brain, while also stimulating your body's production of endorphins (natural pain-relieving hormones).

It takes about an hour for your body to start to respond in this way, so it's best to start using a TENS early on in labour, but on a low setting so that you can turn it up as labour progresses.

With most designs, four wires lead from the TENS machine, each with a sticky pad electrode at the end. You whack the four pads on your back (don't worry, each machine comes with detailed instructions) and then turn on the TENS machine to a level that suits you.

You can adjust both the frequency and strength of the electrical pulses using the control dials; there's also a booster button for when you need an extra surge of power during contractions.

Portable and non-invasive, TENS is considered a very safe, easy means of pain relief, so it's great for home births. It doesn't cause any side-effects or harm your baby and can be combined with other methods of pain relief too. You shouldn't use it if you're less than 37 weeks pregnant or have a pacemaker fitted, and if you have epilepsy or heart disease you should get medical advice about whether or not a TENS is OK for you.

Obviously, you can't use a TENS machine in a birthing pool, and you might have to stop using it during electronic foetal monitoring of your baby, but aside from these situations it's pretty much up to you whether you use it or not. If you find it's not doing anything or it's annoying just take it off.

Most mums hire a TENS machine rather than buy one outright. Usually, you hire one for about a month and take possession a few weeks before you're due (just in case). Hire costs are normally between £20 and £30.

There are countless different designs available (just put TENS hire into Google and you'll see what we mean) so it's worth asking your midwife and friends for recommendations - or post a query on our childbirth Talk forum.

Braxton Hicks | Bringing on labour | Membrane sweep and induction | First stage of labour | Transition and second stage of labour | Third stage of labour | Epidurals | Breathing during labour | Birth partners | Water births | Forceps and ventouse | Caesareans | Recovery after a c-section