Whether you want to experience a natural labour or want to wait for as long as possible before resorting to medication, there are ways to help manage the pain. However, it is important to note that no matter what you choose to do, nothing will completely stop you from feeling anything - even with the epidural you will still feel a pulling and tugging sensation, so you need to learn to manage it instead.
Here are five options you can do to help you get through it:
Go for a walk
If you can manage to move around, get up and go for a walk. You will feel a lot more comfortable and it may even help to speed things along with gravity helping to pull baby into position. Go up and down the ward doing your breathing exercises - if little else, it can help to waste some time until you are ready to push.
Remember your breathing
Breathing is a great way to help you manage your pain. Take short breaths and blow out deeply when you feel a contraction coming - think hee, hee, hee, haaa.
Have a massage
Encourage your other half or birth partner to give you a massage either on your feet or shoulders. The harder they press the more relief you will feel from the labour pains. Pop a few massage oils into your hospital bag just to have them.
Have a shower
Most maternity hospitals have a special shower that mums-to-be can use during labour. Just like if you were running water over your body to ease sore muscles, it can help you to relax and reduce some of the pain. It will also feel like a massage all your body, again aiding with the pain relief.
Listen to music
Help your body relax by playing your favourite music in the room. Most hospitals have a supply of soothing sounds or allow you to bring your own. The music can help you block out the pain, get you moving – which in turn helps the pain, and help with anxiety.
