There are several reasons for both mothers and medical professionals to want to avoid the use of medication during childbirth. The American Pregnancy Association has a full listing of the effects of an epidural, the most common form of medical pain relief, on their website. Some of negative effects may include:
- Extending labour
- Making pushing more difficult
- Increasing the need for the use of additional medication, forceps or other intervention.
Alternative Pain Relief for Childbirth
Luckily, there are a variety of options for alternative pain relief during labour and delivery. Possibilities for childbirth without medication include positioning during labour, alternative medicine practices, and changes in the birthing environment.
Birthing Position During Childbirth
There are several ways to use positioning for reducing pain during labour. Every woman that can move freely will automatically shift to a more comfortable position during labour, but it's possible to go a couple steps beyond that to provide further pain relief during labour and delivery.
- Using Gravity - by holding herself upright, either standing or squatting (not sitting!) a woman can use gravity to help her body. With the baby being pulled down already, the muscles don't need to work as hard, and the labour goes more quickly.
- A Birthing Ball - Until the baby crowns, a woman can support herself on a birthing ball (similar to a Pilates ball or exercise ball, but slightly less firm) to keep in an upright squatting position, without needing to support her own weight. The pressure of the birthing ball will also trigger endorphin release; which will contribute to pain relief during childbirth.
- Moving - any movement that rocks the pelvis, whether it's walking, swaying, climbing stairs, sitting in a rocking chair, or rocking on a birthing ball will relieve pain and muscle tension.
Alternative Pain Relief for Childbirth
Alternative medicine can have a great deal to offer in terms of childbirth without medication. Some of the most common practices are:
- Massage - Massage can be used both to induce labour, and for reducing pain during labour. Any woman who wants to use massage during labour should seek out a trained massage therapist who is experienced in prenatal massage.
- Acupuncture - Acupuncture has been used in Japan and China for pain relief during labour and delivery for centuries. It's so effect as pain relief, that some medical doctors today are doing full surgeries with no anesthetic except for acupuncture.
- Aromatherapy - Some essential oils will trigger a chemical or nervous response in the body that reduces pain. Some essential oils are not safe for use during pregnancy, so consult an expert.
Other options for reducing pain during labour include TENS - Transcutaneous Electronic Nerve Stimulation, and Sterile Water Block.
Changing Birth Environment
Some times just being in a relaxing environment can help relieve pain - tense muscles hurt more during labour. Simple changes like reducing the lights, playing a favourite cd and (especially!) having friends or family there for emotional support can all help greatly in reducing pain during labour.
A more involved change of environment is hydrotherapy, labouring or giving birth in water. This is becoming increasingly popular, though there is some debate about the safety of giving birth in the water. The pain relief during labour that hydrotherapy can provide is well documented and totally safe. Many hospitals in the US and Europe now have tubs for hydrotherapy in the maternity section.
Additional information on alternative pain relief during labour and delivery can be found here.
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