Natural ways to relieve pain

Various techniques can help to cope better with the pain of childbirth. Supporting factors are a pleasant environment for the woman, emotional and loving support from accompanying persons, motivation from clinic staff, but also conscious breathing and relaxation techniques. Often it is helpful if the woman tries to look forward to and work towards the goal, namely the birth of her child.

If possible, the birth should not only be seen as a painful and bad event, but also as a positive, joyful experience. This can have a very positive effect on the woman’s perception of pain. The euphoria over the birth of the child makes many women forget the terrible pain even after the birth.

Breathing techniques: Regular breathing is very important for mother and child during birth. This is the only way to ensure the baby’s optimal oxygen supply. Irregular breathing also leads to premature exhaustion of the mother.
Due to the pain of childbirth and the exhaustion caused by prolonged childbirth processes, hyperventilation can quickly occur. The woman inhales too quickly and for too long, but exhales only briefly. This leads to dizziness, headaches and exhaustion.

The woman should therefore concentrate on her breathing and make sure that the phase of exhalation lasts about three times as long as the inhalation. It is often helpful to use the voice during exhalation. In this way the breathing becomes more conscious.

A short pause can be inserted between inhalation and exhalation to consciously separate the two phases from each other. During the expulsion phase the air should not be held. This is sometimes recommended, but quickly leads to oxygen deficiency in the child’s circulation.Instead, the mother should take a deep breath at the beginning of the contraction and then let the air escape slowly during the pressing act.

This also reduces the pressure in the perineal region, which is very relieving.
When the baby’s head is born, no more active pressing is allowed. In this phase, a panting breathing technique can be used to reduce the pressure in the abdominal cavity as much as possible and not to exert any additional pressure on the baby. Announcements by the obstetricians can be helpful for many women if the excitement and pain make it impossible for them to find a regular breathing rhythm.
Birth position: A comfortable birth position for the woman is very important for a bearable birth.
It is best for the woman giving birth to find out for herself in which position she can bear the pain most easily. For many women, a tub birth is pleasant because the warm water has a relaxing and relaxing effect on the muscles. This can make the pain more bearable.

A lying position can be pleasant, as in this position good relaxation can be achieved in the breaks between contractions. When sitting, gravity helps to bring the baby into the birth canal earlier, but sometimes this position is more painful than other positions because the pressure on the pelvic floor is higher.
Movement: Movement at the beginning of the birth process can relieve the pain. Many pregnant women are encouraged to walk around a bit or to let their pelvis rotate.
This promotes muscle relaxation, but also helps the baby to find its way into the birth canal.
Body’s own endorphins: The body releases endorphins during birth. These act as the body’s own painkillers, so to speak. They ensure that the pain of childbirth remains bearable for the woman, especially between the contractions.
They also trigger a trance-like state in the woman towards the end of the birth, which is similar to an expansion of consciousness. This enables the woman to complete the birth and to bear the pain of childbirth. The euphoria at the first sight of the child is also attributed to the effect of the endorphins.

The hormone oxytocin is also released during birth. It is particularly important for the bond between mother and child and also promotes the formation of endorphins so that they are released in sufficient quantities into the woman’s circulation.
Acupuncture: Some women opt for acupuncture to prepare for childbirth. However, this method does not help every woman to the same extent.
It can, however, stimulate the production of the body’s own endorphins and thus contribute to pain relief in a natural way. A massage of the neck and shoulders by an accompanying person can also relieve some of the woman’s tension during the birth. Especially very excited and tense women can benefit from this