Nonpharmacologic Pain Management During LaborComfort measures that provide natural pain relief can be very effective during labor and childbirth. Birthing techniques such as hydrotherapy, hypnobirthing, patterned breathing, relaxation, and visualization can increase the production of endogenous endorphins that bind to receptors in the brain for pain relief. Other methods of comfort therapy such as effleurage (light rhythmic stroking of the abdomen), massage, emptying the bladder, and hydrotherapy can provide pain relief and reduce the need for narcotic analgesia or anesthesia by naturally creating competing impulses in the central nervous system that can prevent the painful stimuli of labor contractions from reaching the brain. Learn more about natural birthing techniques:
Birthing ball It is safe to use the birthing ball with both the external and internal electronic fetal heart monitor. If your amniotic membranes are ruptured, and the baby is still quite high (meaning how high the baby is in the pelvis, or pelvic station), depend on your nurse or care provider (physician or midwife) to tell you if it is safe to use the ball. If the baby remains “high,” active labor and use of the birthing ball may help to bring the baby down into the pelvis. If you are allowed to sit in a chair or walk in the hallways, it is safe to use the birthing ball. When using the birthing ball, it is important to have your birth partner “spot” you at all times. The safest way for your birth partner to spot you is to have him/her sit in a chair with legs apart, while you sit on the birthing ball positioned in between them. Other positions are discussed below. Use of the birthing ball is becoming much more common. Because it is one of the newest pieces of “birthing equipment,” substantial formal research has not been completed which will confirm the advantages of using it as a labor aid. Still, it is undeniable that many laboring women find the birthing ball effective as a comfort measure during labor. Here are just a few reasons for using the birthing ball during labor:
Patterned Breathing Beverages Movement and Position Changes Superficial Heat and Cold Counter-pressure
Touch and Massage Purposeful massage of the hand or other parts of the body also communicates caring. Massage takes the form of light or firm stroking, vibration, kneading, deep circular pressure, and continual steady pressure. Stroking or rubbing the neck, shoulders, back, thighs, feet or hands is an effective pain-reliever. No fancy techniques are required. Receptors in the brain receive the sensations of pleasure from the massage blocking reception of the painful stimuli of labor. Bare skin receives the signal best and unscented powders and lotions are helpful for massage. Aromatherapy Hydrotherapy Focus and Distraction Distraction is a more passive form of focusing attention by using stimuli from the environment that will draw attention away from your pain. Attention focusing and distraction are usually used with other strategies and may not be useful for severe pain. These techniques are meant to help you reduce fear, anxiety, and pain, and can also be helpful with any discomfort you may experience after the birth of your baby. Audio-analgesia Music creates a pleasant and relaxing environment and music transmitted through earphones can block out disturbing, distracting, or unpleasant sounds. Carefully chosen music can also reinforce rhythmic breathing patterns, massage strokes or facilitate focusing one’s attention. Music preferences vary widely. Feel free to choose your own music and bring your CDs with you. Each labor room at Newton-Wellesley Hospital is equipped with a Bose CD/Radio |