Natural birth
Lots of women make it through labor without any medical pain relief, but if you do need to use pain relief drugs you shouldn't feel guilty or think that you failed in some way.
Every woman reacts to pain in different ways, so whatever helps you to get through labor – be it screaming at the top of your voice or as many drugs as possible – is worth trying.
If you plan to have as natural a birth as possible, controlled breathing can help. Long, slow breaths in and out will relax you and help you focus. Breathing properly helps to relax rather than tense your muscles, so it can be a big help when it comes to easing the pain of contractions. See our article on breathing techniques to help you learn how to breathe in labor.
Positions
There are lots of positions which can aid natural birth, most of which use gravity to help your baby move down through the birth canal. Standing, squatting or kneeling while upright can all be beneficial, although you may need some physical support to achieve them.
If you’re giving birth at hospital, staying at home for as long as you can will help your chances of having a natural birth – a hospital environment can make you feel tense.
It’s helpful to write a birth plan before you go into labor, stating your wishes to have as natural a birth as possible. But be flexible – don’t rule out pain relief or the prospect that you might have to have a cesarean. Babies, labor and birth are unpredictable, and even best-laid plans can take unexpected twists and turns. See stages of labor for a more detailed look at labor.
Pain relief
Using a TENS machine and nitrous oxide can be a good alternative to strong pain relief drugs and many women find them useful. See our article on natural pain relief for more information on achieving a natural birth.
The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.