How can pain during labor be relieved without drugs?
Some ways to cope with labor pain without drugs are: • Lamaze or Bradley methods of prepared childbirth: You and your partner can take classes to learn about childbirth, body conditioning exercises, and methods of relaxation. Breathing exercises are an important part of the Lamaze method. Forms of meditation are emphasized in the Bradley method. Many mothers who use these methods are able to go through childbirth with less or no medicine for pain. • Hypnosis: The usefulness of this procedure varies from person to person. Hypnosis requires a lot of time and classes with your health care provider before you are ready for delivery. • Acupuncture: Small needles are applied to special areas of the body to lessen the pain of contractions. • Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS): Mild electric impulses are used to stimulate the nerves and block pain. All of these techniques can be used with other treatments for labor pain.
