stimulated, result in dramatic pain relief. Pregnant women usually receive several treatments in the last few months of pregnancy, which result in a smother, less painful
birth.
Acupressure, Massage and Counterpressure — These are specific touch techniques that help relieve pressure or pain and enhance relaxation and endorphin release. Stimulating certain acupressure points in the body of a laboring woman may help speed labor progress. Try hand and/or foot massage, effleurage (light, circular stroking of the abdomen), the double-hip squeeze, or the knee press. Childbirth educators, midwives, nurses, and doulas may be familiar with these specialized techniques.
Hot and/or Cold Compresses — Applied to the lower back, these help relieve back labor. A 'hot rice sock' (a tube sock filled with uncooked rice and heated in a microwave for 2 minutes) placed under your belly, on your back, or over your shoulder feels wonderful! It can be reheated as often as necessary.
The Birth Ball — A physical therapy ball that laboring women use in a variety of positions. Sitting on the ball and rocking back and forth is comfortable and helps labor progress using gravity, while increasing endorphin release because the elasticity and the curvature of the ball stimulate receptor sites on the pelvic floor which are primarily responsible for endorphin release. The ball should be soft and under-inflated, and large enough in diameter so that the woman's knees are flexed at a 90-degree angle. Hold on to a chair or bed as you sit down on the ball safety.
Aromatherapy — The use of aromatic substances which stimulate chemoreceptor sites in the nasopharanyx that trigger other chemical responses in the body.
Music — Auditory, acoustic, and vibratory stimulation actually decrease our perception of pain and enhance relaxation. Different types of music are useful at different stages of labor. Couples should bring their own musical selections with them to hospital or birth center. Music masks the distracting sounds often experienced in the hospital environment while helping to create a more personal, spiritual atmosphere in which to labor.
Movement, Positioning, and Position Changes — Your baby’s position contributes directly to the pain of labor as well as the length of labor. Labor progress in enhanced when woman is allowed to follow her body’s messages and move and change positions frequently. Walking, swaying, slow dancing, stair climbing, squatting, lunging, hands-and-knees positioning with pelvic rocking, rocking on a birth ball or on a rocking chair are all examples of helpful movement and position changes for labor.
Companionship and Support — Labor support provided by a professional Doula, or birth companion, has been shown to improve birth outcomes, reduce the numbers of Cesarean sections, epidurals and other medical interventions, while promoting bonding and successful breastfeeding. Doulas are usually hired by a couple before labor and provide continuous, personal emotional and physical support to both of them throughout the entire process.
Editorial provided by Sherri Urban, RN, BA, BSN, CCE, from Nativiti Women's Health & Birth Center, in Houston, Texas.
