Welcome to Mom and Baby Pages!

Our goal here at Mom and Baby Pages is to provide you with accurate, up to date information about your baby, your body, and your life. Mom and Baby Pages is a site that is by moms, for moms. Pregnancy is a huge part of life, and an even bigger topic to research. If you are looking for something particular that is not currently listed on the site, email me and I will be glad to research the topic and add the info for other readers. Please feel free to share your own pregnancy stories, experiences, and more, we would love to hear about it! For more information about Mom and Baby Pages, or the author, visit our About section.

Dealing with pain in Childbirth

It’s almost a certainty that at some point in labor, you will experience some pain.  Even if you’re planning to have an epidural, you’ll need to get through early labor before going to the hospital.  However, there are plenty of things you and your partner can do to help manage the pain and have a fantastic, memorable birth.  Here are some ideas:

Get educated- Taking a non-hospital sponsored childbirth preparation class will help you to understand the birthing process and know what to expect from your body.  With this knowledge, you can prepare your mind, body, and your partner for the work ahead.  A childbirth class will also help you address any lingering fears you may have about birth.    But don’t stop at taking the class.  Look for books about active labor and natural childbirth.  These books are packed with information and tips and tricks to help you work with your body to deliver your baby.

Get support- Let your partner, support persons, and your care providers know your wishes.  Especially if you’re planning a low-intervention birth, it’s important for your support team to know your goals so they can help you succeed.  Discuss ways for your spouse or partner to help you with pain relief – massage, applying heat/cold packs, aromatherapy, and showers.   Hire a doula to provide support to you and your partner.  Doulas are specially trained to offer emotional support, information on childbirth and possible interventions, and non-pharmacological pain relief methods.
Consider writing a birth plan.  Write out the medical interventions you do or do not want to receive.  There are many websites that offer templates for writing your birth plan.  Your doula should, also, be willing to help you.  Request an appointment with your care provider to discuss your birth plan.  Ideally, this meeting should take place outside of a normal prenatal visit.  If you must have the discussion during a prenatal appointment, request a moment to get dressed and compose yourself first.  Then get off the exam table and seat yourself in a chair at eye-level with the physician.  This will help you to feel more confident.  State your desires plainly and let the physician know you’d appreciate his/her assistance in achieving your goals.  Your care provider should be your partner.  If you receive a negative or adversarial response, find another provider!  If you’re not in labor in the delivery room, it’s probably not too late to change providers.  Don’t feel guilty about it.  Find someone who will support your choices. 

Practice- Your doula and your childbirth educator will teach you relaxation techniques.  These techniques will work best during labor if you are familiar with them.  So, find some quite time to relax and practice.  Your body will be able to do its job much easier if you’re not resisting it. 
You should also receive information on positions and movements for labor and for pushing.  Some of these positions can be awkward and uncomfortable at first.  Practice them with your partner during pregnancy, so they’re more comfortable and familiar during labor. 

Be flexible- Set your goals with confidence.  But, be aware that unexpected occurrences sometimes happen during labor that may change your course of action.  Give yourself permission to fluctuate from your birth plan for the health of yourself and your baby.  Deviating from your original plan is not a failure!  The ultimate goal is to birth a beautiful, healthy baby.

Be positive! –You can birth your baby the way that you choose.  Be confident.  Tune out the naysayers and surround yourself with positive, supportive people.  Read positive birth stories online (avoid the scary ones).   Have faith in your body, your baby, and the birth process.   No matter how many children you may have, each birth experience will be different.  You only give birth to each child once.  Relax and enjoy it!

Rachel Roberts, CD, ALACE
In Her Hands Labor Support
www.all-natural-mommies.com