Natural Childbirth Pain Relief

Natural childbirth pain relief methods soothe and relax you but will not entirely stop the pain. Some methods do need to be practised before the birth so that you know how to do them and they can have the desired effect.

Heat and cold: Applying heat or cold can be soothing. It will not get rid of the pain but it can make it easier to cope with. A hot water bottle can reduce backache or cramp.

Movement: Keeping mobile improves your circulation and can help to reduce backache. Try different positions in labour and rock slowly or walk around.

Massage: This relieves tension and improves circulation, reducing the intensity of the labour pain.

Acupuncture: Fine needles inserted into specific points of the body relieve pain by releasing the body’s own painkillers, endorphins.

Reflexology: Applying pressure to specific points on your feet can relieve pain and muscular problems in other parts of the body.

Giving birth in water: Water supports the body and might also speed up a slow labour. A water birth may reduce your chances of tearing during labour because it helps you to relax.

Hypnosis: Hypnosis for birth was pioneered in the USA and is now available in many other countries. Look out for our new page on hypno-birthing.

There are also certain herbal remedies that can help calm you while in labour. To find out more visit www.herbal-remedies-and-supplements.com