31 Aug Natural Pain Management for Labor
The pain of childbirth is different for each woman. Since pain is an individualized feeling and varies from person to person, the management of pain should also cater to each person’s own needs rather than a standard protocol.
At The Birth Center of New Jersey, we focus on bringing mothers comfort and pain relief through natural means rather than medical or surgical interventions. A woman’s options for pain relief at the birth center are:
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is a form of therapy that uses water in a variety of ways to provide comfort and alleviate pain.
At the birth center, we have the option for you to use water tubs and showers when you need them. Soaking in warm water for a while can help alleviate some of the pressure on your lower back and help you feel less anxious and more refreshed.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous Oxide is an inhaled, self-administered pain relief option.
Nitrous oxide allows you to experience what we call patient-controlled analgesia. This means you get to control the amount of medication you inhale depending on the amount of pain you feel.
This helps us avoid the needless use of medication and gives you more autonomy in your care.
Massage
Certain kinds of massages can be super helpful during labor to help alleviate some of the discomforts that you’re feeling.
Massages can help relieve symptoms of bloating and abdominal discomfort. They can also help relieve some of the back pain that you’re feeling which may help you relax so your pelvic musculature can work more effectively by helping you dilate as labor progresses.
Homeopathic Medication
If you’re not a fan of using traditional medication during labor, you don’t have to! You can always use holistic or homeopathic medication derived from natural sources, free of chemicals and compounds.
Certain medications are considered safe in pregnancy and may help with pain relief during labor. However, always discuss with your healthcare provider before taking anything!
Interaction with others and Support from the Birth Center Team
Contrary to hospital protocol where you’re usually allowed only one family member in the room, you can have as many people as you want in your birthing suite at a birth center! This can be great for moral support and motivation when you need it the most.
Our team is available around the clock to help you and provide you with any support that you might need.
At birth centers, our approach to pain relief starts at the root of it all. Alleviating fear through education, promoting confidence, and providing a non-stressful environment is the core of reducing pain in childbirth.
Studies have shown that the constant support and companionship of other women like a doula or the midwife shortens labor and reduces the perception of pain.
The education program at The Birth Center of New Jersey helps women to understand that as labor progresses, there are ways and resources they can utilize to cope with the pain of labor and, if indicated, participate in the decision to get medical help where necessary.
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