OTHER FORMS OF NON-MEDICATED PAIN RELIEF INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING

ACUPUNCTURE/ACUPRESSURE Recent Western research has shown acupuncture to be effective in stimulating the release of endorphins –nature’s natural painkillers. Acupressure does the same thing, but instead of needles, firm pressure is placed on certain points on your body. AROMATHERAPY More than 50 percent of mothers who used aromatherapy found it to be effective in reducing fear and anxiety, and promoting relaxation.

BREATHING Slow, controlled breathing encourages relaxation and works very well with meditation or with focusing during labour.

COMPANIONSHIP OR DOULAS Women who have a birth partner or companion or doula have shorter labours, with fewer complications and better bonding with their babies afterwards. They cope very well with their pain and feel valued and cared for.

HOMEOPATHY Effective in coping with pain by reducing anxiety. The ideal way to use homeopathy in labour is to have a qualified homeopath make up or recommend a birth kit for you.

HYPNOTHERAPY Especially beneficial for women who are very apprehensive about labour and what comes afterwards. Hypnotherapy will have a calming effect on you, as it involves getting you into a deep state of relaxation.

MASSAGE Studies show that appropriate touch and massage in labour decreases the need for many interventions and medicated forms of pain relief. MOVEMENT Giving you a vehicle for creating a rhythm of release with your pain, movement alters your perception of pain by the sensory activity at the joint and muscle receptor site.

REFLEXOLOGY There is evidence to suggest that reflexology stimulates the body’s production of hormones. These may include the ones that drive your labour (oxytocin) and your natural painkillers (endorphins). RELAXATION The more relaxed and calm you can be, the less your labour and birth are likely to hurt. When you relax, you allow your uterus to work unimpeded by tense skeletal muscles.