Comments on: 5 Ways to Ease Labor Pains

By: Henry Horton - ShunAuto

Henry Horton - ShunAuto — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 08:41:58 +0000

Labor pains can be intense, but several strategies can help ease discomfort and promote a smoother birthing experience. First, **breathing techniques** are essential; slow, deep breaths during contractions can reduce tension and provide focus. Second, **movement and positioning** can alleviate pain; walking, swaying, or using a birthing ball can help the baby descend and relieve pressure. Third, **water immersion** in a warm bath or shower relaxes muscles and reduces stress, offering natural pain relief. Fourth, **massage and acupressure** applied to the lower back, hips, or hands can ease discomfort and encourage relaxation. Lastly, **mindfulness and visualization** techniques, such as focusing on calming images or repeating positive affirmations, can shift the mind away from pain and foster a sense of control. Combining these methods with support from a partner, doula, or healthcare provider can significantly enhance comfort during labor. Always consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best approach for individual needs

By: Alex

Alex — Thu, 21 Mar 2019 12:05:35 +0000

It is very difficult for pregnant women to cope with back pain, well thanks to you for sharing the article and letting us know about it.

By: Emery Jean Chambers

Emery Jean Chambers — Wed, 18 Apr 2018 00:42:34 +0000

It sure was nice when you said that breathing exercises actually work in minimizing labor pains because the mom will be more focused on their breathing instead of the pain they are feeling. I will be sure to mention this to my sister since she is six months pregnant now. Aside from that, I think in order to lessen the burden, I think she ought to get a labor support to assist her. Hopefully, it’s not too late. Thanks!

By: Rosalind

Rosalind — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 11:57:23 +0000

My last 2 births were natural (the first 3 had some form of pain medicines). I totally agree with your #5. If we have another baby, I’ll be using essential oils during delivery. We’ve had success using them for other things (helping infants/toddlers sleep, headaches, allergies, etc) so I figure they will work for labor pain!

I blogged through my labors and you can read them at confessionsofastrugglingmom.com

By: Park City Doula | Weekly Web Links | Andrea Lythgoe Doula Salt Lake City Utah

Tue, 14 Oct 2014 20:47:52 +0000

[…] Some basic information on the current definitions of early term, full term, late term and post term. Also explains why you should care! 5 Basic Ways to relieve labor pain. […]

By: Janine

Janine — Wed, 27 Aug 2014 19:31:26 +0000

In reply to Becca @ The Earthlings Handbook. That is a great tip Becca! It seems like it would really help for pushing because leaning forward on your own is very hard. I like the squatting position for labor if possible. Gravity really helps too :) Thanks so much for reading!

By: Becca @ The Earthlings Handbook

Becca @ The Earthlings Handbook — Wed, 27 Aug 2014 17:31:21 +0000

These are great tips! I'm with you on avoiding the needle in the spine; I would much rather endure the pain and be able to feel every moment of the very special experience of giving birth. The labor trick I want to share with everyone is the Towel Pull. This is a way of pushing more effectively. I'm not sure if it made the pain any better (didn't make it worse, though!) but by getting the baby out more quickly, it reduced the number of painful contractions. I think also that making progress helped me to feel less suffering.

By: Nadya

Nadya — Wed, 27 Aug 2014 08:26:12 +0000

Hi, Janine!
You are very beautiful family!
I’m a mother of three kids. I gave a birth for all of them naturally and my tip is — relax. As a contraction starts, it means that part of the muscles are trying to open “the gate” and part of them are trying not to let it happen (it’s like trying to open a fist inside another one). So, when a contraction starts, you should try to relax every single one muscle in your body letting your body do it’s job. I hope you understand what I mean 🙂 it worked for me very well!

By: Crystal

Crystal — Wed, 27 Aug 2014 05:20:41 +0000

This is a very helpful article that I wish was around when I gave birth to my two children! I birthed both naturally using the hypnobirthing breathing techniques that I read in the book (no class). Having my breathing to count and focus on was such a huge help. I wish I thought of using a heat pad but I did take a hot shower once my contractions got bad and that helped some. I also found the cat pose on all 4’s eased the pain some along with bouncing on an exercise ball. Notice I say some! You’re so right, if you don’t prepare your mind to deal with the pain you may have difficulty dealing with it. For those pregnant, just remember, though it is painful, its a good pain that is moving your baby down so you can finally meet that miracle!
I also distracted myself by writing down every start and stop time of my contractions using a stopwatch for hours. What a help that was! I stayed home as long as I could and when I went into the hospital both times I was dilated to 7. I too was very scared of the epidural! And I love that you pointed out to go in with an open mind. You never know what will happen or how you’ll feel and don’t need the stress of guilt or disappointment!