Consider a doula for support
A certified doula is trained to help couples achieve their desired birth experience through guidance and support. She does not deliver the baby, as a doctor or midwife would, nor does she take the place of the coaching partner. Rather, she is concerned with the comfort of the mother and provides whatever level of support she and her partner may need.
"Doulas provide physical, emotional and informational support in a way that puts the birthing woman herself in control of her birth," says Karen Kilson, a Doulas of North America (DONA) certified doula from Danbury, CT. "We accomplish this through position, motion, massage, verbal encouragement, imagery, explanation and anything else needed."
Your doula will get to know you and help you make informed decisions about your birth beforehand. She'll also stay with you for the entire labor and delivery. No need to worry that her shift will end halfway through labor. Her sole purpose is to help you through the natural process of birth.
"There comes a time in almost every woman's labor where she says,
"I can't do this!" and then goes right ahead and does it!" Kilson says,
"Your body and your baby know what to do, they were created
for labor and birth. Nature just needs the time and space to do
her work. The result for you can be a more satisfying and
empowering birth experience."
Breathing techniques can also be effective for pain relief by
providing a focus other than pain. Deep cleansing breaths have a
naturally occurring calming effect on your brain, helping you to
relax. Plus, well-oxygenated muscles work more effectively, an
obvious benefit when it comes time for pushing. Julie K., a mother of three from Minnesota, is sold on the power
of breathing. "When I was in labor with my youngest, I had a
wonderful nurse who really helped me with my breathing. She
looked me right in the eyes and breathed along with me so I knew
exactly what to do. It helped me regain control and got me
through the pain." Start concentrating on your breathing well before your due date. Any time you feel overwhelmed with the stresses of pregnancy or
of life in general, take 10 slow, steady, deep breaths. Notice
how breathing can relax you. Your labor coach can also use this technique by talking you
through the image in a soft, soothing voice. This is known as
guided imagery and is often used by doulas during labor. Imagery can help you see your contractions in a more positive
light. Remind yourself that each contraction brings you closer to
holding your baby. See yourself holding her. As you feel a
contraction, visualize your cervix dilating. You may want to
choose a symbolic image, such as a flower gradually blooming. This type of imagery can speed up delivery by helping you work
with your contractions rather than fighting them. Keep in mind that every woman and every labor is different. You
may plan on massage for relaxation, only to find that when you're
in labor you can't stand being touched. Don't be discouraged if
your plans change and you have to improvise. Shelley P., a mother of four, two of which were home births, had
painful back labor with every birth. She found that her own form
of self-massage was the most effective for her pain. "I was only comfortable standing up during labor," she says,
"What worked for me was to make a fist and lean on it, pushing
against the wall and putting pressure just above my tailbone. It
felt like a pinched nerve that was released when I found the
right spot." If you aren't comfortable with water birth, there are variations.
Taking a bath during labor can be relaxing. A warm shower may
also be helpful and some hospitals offer the use of a whirlpool. Talk over the possibilities with your doctor or midwife to learn
about your water therapy options. "Aromatherapy techniques can be used very safely and beneficially
to maintain the general health of the expectant mother, and to
help minimize the various discomforts of pregnancy," says Angie
Kehler, a Certified Aromatherapy Healthcare Therapist (CAHT) from
Nepean, Ontario, Canada. "As a general rule, I recommend ladies wait
until their second trimester to incorporate aromatherapy into
their health regime." During labor, essential oils can be used effectively in massage. Kehler recommends, "a gentle massage oil, using rosemary and
lavender, with perhaps a little geranium if [the mother] were
inclined towards that type of scent (floral). I recommend back
massage, particularly lower back, and foot massage as a
distraction during contractions." As with any alternative therapy, it's important to be well
informed before using essential oils. There are certain essences
that should not be used, especially during the early months of
pregnancy. You may want to consult a qualified aromatherapist
before making your choices. The active substance in raspberry leaves is called fragrine. It
helps to relieve uterine pain and tones the uterus by dilating
the pelvic muscles.
It has been said to make delivery faster and less painful. Use
one teaspoon of red raspberry leaf tea to one cup of boiling water,
once or twice a day. No matter how carefully you've planned, always keep in mind that
things can change once labor begins. Perhaps you intended to
have a natural childbirth but ended up pleading for drugs. This
can happen to anyone. By all means, don't let a change of plans
get you down. After all, it's the end result that really matters
-- holding your beautiful baby safely in your arms.
Know the breathing basics
If you've attended childbirth classes, you've already heard about
the importance of proper breathing. Your baby is depending on
you to provide plenty of oxygen until he can breathe for himself.
Breathing correctly will assure him a steady supply.
Imagery - mind over matter
Visual imagery is a mind/body connection that uses the brain as a
tool against pain or illness. The more often you practice
imagery, the more skilled you will become at using it for
relaxation. Picture a scene in your mind that is relaxing to you.
Really concentrate on the vision, don't just see the sight, but
use all of your senses until you almost feel as if you're there.
The healing touch
Massage can be very relaxing to a laboring mother, whether it's
scalp, neck, foot or back massage. If you experience back labor,
it may be particularly helpful. Try having your partner use a
tennis ball, with a rolling motion, placing pressure at the point
that gives the most relief.
Water therapy
There are many beneficial uses for water in childbirth, ranging
from a simple cool cloth on your forehead to complete water
birth. Many women today are choosing water birth because it
provides a gentle transition for the baby and a more comfortable
labor for the mother.
If you enjoy a long bath when your muscles
ache or when you need to relax, water birth may be an option for
you. The warm water can relieve the feeling of heaviness and the
intensity of contractions. If you've ever been swimming in your
last trimester, you know the unencumbered feeling that's so
unusual in late pregnancy.
Aromatherapy
Essential oils are the basis for aromatherapy. These are
extracted plant essences; not to be confused with scented candles
or room sprays. Essential oils have many health benefits as well
as pleasant aromas. They are usually used in a diluted form,
blended into a cold-pressed seed, nut or vegetable oil base.
Red raspberry leaf tea
Although there are certain herbs that should not be used during
pregnancy, there are others that are quite beneficial. Red
raspberry leaf deserves special mention here because of its
benefits in labor and delivery. During the last two months of
pregnancy, the tea can be especially helpful in preparing the
uterus for the work ahead.
What about hospital rules?
If you're planning a hospital birth, you may not be free to use
some options, depending on your hospital's regulations and your
doctor's approval. In many cases, a variation would be
acceptable, such as taking a warm shower during labor if a bath
is against your doctor's advice. This is why it's so important to
discuss the details of your labor and delivery preferences with
your doctor in advance. 
