Natural pain relief options

Many of us would like to have as natural a labour as possible, but don’t quite have a clear idea on how to achieve this.  We need to be realistic that complications can arise unexpectedly; birth does not always go to plan!  But to maximise your chances of avoiding intervention, it’s a good idea to have lots of other strategies in your toolkit for coping with labour naturally.

• Water
• Heat and cold
• Natural therapies
• Massage
• Breathing & relaxation

Support & environment

Just like top performance athletes, labouring women need a dedicated support team.  Choose a caregiver you trust and who treats you with respect, surround yourself with supportive members of family or friends, and birth in a place where you feel comfortable.  Do these three things and you will be a long way towards having a positive birth experience.

• Making hospital as home like as possible
• Birthing at home