Natural birth without drugs doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do to make the experience more manageable! Here is a graphic handout for birth class or doulas to share the ways we mitigate pain in labor without pharmaceuticals. These are things anyone can do, anywhere.
- Increase comfort in labor through 1. optimizing body mechanics, 2. sending safety signals to the brain, 3. blocking or confusing the pain, and 4. promoting relaxation
- Discussion of Fear-Tension-Pain cycle
DOUBLE-SIDED. Includes lists of ways to use and incorporate the following: doula/continuous support, mobility, minimizing interruptions, hypnosis, meditation, shower/tub, breathing, music, aromatherapy, low lights, tailbone/low back pressure, cold/hot, eating and drinking, and adding a second pain.
The front includes a graphic chart of technique categories and why they work in labor.
The back explains the familiar fear-tension-pain cycle and contains lists of specific activities and tools we can employ for pain-relief during labor. Some of these techniques will make labor faster and easier– appreciated by everyone, including those using an epidural!
This is a straightforward teaching tool to show the breadth and depth of what can be done to make labor easier, especially those who desire drug-free birth.
