Natural Pain Relief Methods for Labour
Labor pain is a natural and normal part of the birth process.
But that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through it.
As birth workers, we are often asked about natural pain relief methods for labor. There are many options available, and while some may be more effective than others, it's important to remember that every woman's experience is unique. In this blog, I'll be taking a research-based approach to explore some of the most effective natural pain relief methods for labor.
Breathing Techniques. One of the most commonly recommended natural pain relief methods is deep breathing. According to a Cochrane review of randomized controlled trials, slow-paced breathing techniques can reduce pain and anxiety during labor, and can even lower the need for pain medication (1). Different types of breathing techniques, such as patterned breathing or breathing with visualization, may also be effective in reducing pain and stress during labor (2).
Hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy, which involves immersion in water during labor, has been shown to have a significant pain-relieving effect. A 2018 Cochrane review found that hydrotherapy can reduce the need for pain medication, and can improve maternal satisfaction with the birth experience (3). Warm water can help relax the muscles, reduce pain, and even speed up labor by promoting better blood flow.
Acupressure. Acupressure is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to relieve pain and promote healing. Studies have found that acupressure can be an effective pain relief method during labor. A randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health found that acupressure significantly reduced pain intensity during labor, and even shortened the duration of the first stage of labor (4).
Massage and Touch. Massage and touch can be powerful tools for natural pain relief during labor. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis shows that women who receive massage and touch from a trained therapist experience less pain and anxiety during labor, and had shorter labors overall (5). Partners and doulas can also provide massage and touch as a form of emotional and physical support during labor.
In conclusion, there are many natural pain relief methods available for women during labor. Breathing techniques, hydrotherapy, acupressure, and massage and touch have all been shown to be effective in reducing pain and improving the birth experience. It's important to talk to your healthcare provider or birth team about which options may be best for you based on your individual needs and preferences. With the right support, you can have a comfortable and empowering birth experience.
References:
Smith CA, Levett KM, Collins CT, et al. Relaxation techniques for pain management in labour. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;3(3):CD009514. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009514.pub2
McCutcheon LE, Gallagher ME, Dolan L, Clarke M, Smith V. Breathing for Relaxation in Labor: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Midwifery Womens Health. 2021 Jan;66(1):70-81. doi: 10.1111/jmwh.13127. Epub 2020 Oct 30.
Cluett E, Burns E. Immersion in water in labour and birth. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;(5):CD000111. Published 2018 May 29. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD000111.pub4
Hjelmstedt A, Shenoy ST, Stener-Victorin E. Acupressure to reduce labor pain: a randomized controlled trial. J Midwifery Womens Health. 2010;55(4):307-316
Ranjbaran M, Khorsandi M, Matourypour P, Shamsi M. Effect of Massage Therapy on Labor Pain Reduction in Primiparous Women. J Nurs Midwifer Res. 2017;22(4):257-261.