Managing the Fear of Pain During Labor
Congratulations Mama! You are officially reaching a stage in your pregnancy journey where you are wanting to learn more about pain management! Yes that's right pain management, for those who said their birth wasn't painful are one of five things. They have a high pain tolerance, psyche was in the right place creating a serine moment of a hormone infused birth, medicated with a nerve blocker such as an epidural, unfortunately lied to you, or successfully managed their labor with comfort techniques. If you're reading this, you are probably curious on what type of pain management is available to you?
There are 2 categories: natural pain relief and medical pain relief (analgesics). Now, not all techniques of pain management have the same outcome for everybody. Some simply can breathe their pains away while others need a little more umph. Today we will discuss natural pain relief as well as the possibility of pain relief a Midwife may administer during a home birth.
“Pain is a natural part of labor, but it doesn't have to control you. By understanding your options and utilizing effective comfort techniques, you can actively manage your pain and have a positive birth experience.” Penny Simkin¹
First, I want to state that your psyche plays a major role during your birth. If you have any fear or doubt about your labor, or what things will be like post natal, this can affect your birth. Having fear, anxiety or being uncomfortable can allow the hormone adrenaline to cut off oxytocin, the hormone used to induce labor. Oxytocin is the birth hormone, healing hormone as well as the hormone that encourages milk let down. Having items around you during your labor that encourages oxytocin release can assist your labor.
Think of your 5 senses; sight, smell, taste, touch and hear. Make a list of items within your 5 senses that you like; a massage anywhere on your body, the smell of roses or vanilla, the taste of a fresh baked cookie, pineapple juice or a savory treat. Dimming the lights, a warm bath, and your favorite essential oil in your diffuser or candle burning in the background can all comfort you during labor and encourage oxytocin release. Using a comb during your contractions, hot or cold compress, or even taking a walk outside can encourage a more peaceful labor. Having a Doula (non-medical professional) at your birth can benefit you as they can encourage you to do labor positions to open your hips, help with breathing techniques, as well as assist you or help your partner with comfort techniques. As well as, assist with Miles circuit techniques and hypnobirthing as comfort measures.
Doulas provide much needed emotional support for you and your partner as you endure the marathon of birth together. Birth is painful, there's no doubt about that! However, the comfort techniques you use can significantly decrease the pain receptors from taking precedence. Take the time now to watch videos, find a Doula who matches your needs of support, a Midwife that accepts your wishes, and learn how to provide comfort for yourself during labor.
Secondly, if you decide to pursue your home birth you will need a Midwife (medical professional) to assist in delivering your baby Earth side. Your Midwife can be as hands on or off as you wish, they will support you with labor positions, checking your and babies heart rate, if desired, and perform cervical checks and many more tasks. In saying that, there are an abundance of great midwives out there, however there are different types of Midwives (CPM, LM, DEM, CNM) each license allows that midwife to only perform what the state allows.
Each state will have regulations on what a Midwife can give their patient medically outside of the hospital setting. Historically, Midwives would give an opioid such as pethidine, however that is not used in the states anymore. I have heard of Midwives who use medicinal herbs to create the same effects as some of the medications the hospital would give. I would recommend speaking to your Midwife or during your interviews ask what they can perform for pain relief during your homebirth.
You can ask about the TENS unit, Healy, drugs, interthecal, narcotics, as well as herbal supplements they can use or recommend during your birth. Never be afraid to ask about what is available to you. Never let your pain turn into suffering, just because you wanted an “unmedicated” birth. There are so many options for pain relief, comfort measures and distractions that can give you the relief you desire. Remember this is your birth, ask questions, hire a Doula who can help educate and support you, find a Midwife that suits your needs. You have a right to your birth, your body and your experiences. However, remember not all births follow a certain plan, things can change in an instant, mentally prepare yourself, get your support team planned out and write down your list of 5 senses items you want present at your birth. Congratulations Mama, on taking the next big step of learning about pain management, you got this!
“Confident Mamas make informed decisions” ~ Sarah Kyle, Doula.
¹Simkin, P. (2018). Birth Partner 5th Edition: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Partners, Doulas, and All Other Labor Companions. Harvard Common Press.
Sarah Kyle
Confident Mamas Doula
CLD, ClSE
Based in Oklahoma
Find her online at @confident_mamas or on Facebook at Confident Mamas
