#pain coping

[moregooddaysblog]

Comfort Techniques for Labor

Comfort Techniques for Labor

Learn about comfort techniques for labor pain and learn why they work. Cognitive strategies include education to help you understand what’s happening, visualization, affirmations, and choosing to interpret pain as a positive sign of labor progress rather than something to resist. Gate Control techniques work by focusing  your attention on something pleasant (like music, a beautiful view or…

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[moregooddaysblog]

Research Summary on Effectiveness of Non-Drug Coping Techniques

Research Summary on Effectiveness of Non-Drug Coping Techniques

There have been several literature reviews of available research on each of the available non-pharmacological techniques for coping with labor pain. Each of these reviews acknowledges the limitations of the research that they compile: primarily the studies are small sample sizes, and are not properly randomized control trials. (Women are typically allowed to choose which coping techniques to use…

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[themidwifeisin]

What is hypnobirthing?

Hypnobirthing is one of many pain management methods for labor.  They say that, “The method teaches you that, in the absence of fear and tension, or special medical circumstances, severe pain does not have to be an accompaniment of labor.”

It’s a technique for self-hypnosis, almost, but you are not in a trance or asleep.  It’s a deep focus, much like when you’re so intently reading a book that you don’t realize how hungry you are or that anyone has been calling your name for the past 10 minutes.  It’s a technique you have to practice, starting midway through your pregnancy.  There are classes to take and books to read and CDs to listen to.

I’ve never seen a patient successfully hypnobirth, but that’s not because it’s a bad method.  It’s just that these patients weren’t particularly committed to hypnobirthing.  A lot of people use techniques from it during labor without even realizing it - one of the most important things for pain management is being able to focus, not run away from the pain, but allow it to wash over you.  

Go here and here for more information on hypnobirthing.

One of my favorite childbirth prep methods is Birthing From Within.  It’s very hippy dippy, but I think that the parents who have taken their class are very successful with their birth plans.  It’s sort of a combo of hypnobirthing, education, trust in one’s own knowledge and body, a diverse set of cultural beliefs, and specific mindful pain coping techniques.

Find more info here, and read the book here.