the elephant in the room: pain in labour
So... it’s what no one wants to talk about. Pain in labour. Now, I definitely agree that we should be careful about the language we use in pregnancy and birth, as it can really affect our mindset going in and during. And it’s true that some women DON’T experience pain during labour. And as a hypnobirthing teacher, I usually use the word “discomfort” instead of “pain” when I can. But the reality is, that lots of women will experience pain during labour. I’m not going to pretend otherwise. BUT. There are things you can do to manage this pain, and change your approach to it.
The first thing I want you to think about is productive pain vs. dangerous pain. Pretty much every other time we feel pain, it’s our bodies telling us that something is wrong, that we are ill, or that we should stop doing something (like taking your hand off a hot stove). But pain in labour (usually) isn’t telling you any of that - in fact, it’s your uterus muscles working really really hard to dilate your cervix then push your baby out. Therefore, it’s not dangerous - it’s productive. And if we can tell our mind to CHILL THE HELL OUT, ALL IS GOOD HERE, then you may be able to manage that pain more effectively. And that’s where learning calming breathing techniques are really helpful. Plus, when our oxytocin is flowing and our cortisol is low, our pain receptors are less sensitive. So bringing those calm vibes are essential.
It’s also good to remember that your body is preparing to give birth a long time before it starts. It’s warming up, getting those hormones ready. It’s not like if I (who am not pregnant) suddenly had to give birth today. My body ain’t ready for that. But yours will be.
OK sounds good, but what else can I do to practically manage the pain?
You can use water - shower, bath, birth pool.
You can use calm breathing (in for 4, out for 7).
You can use visualisation techniques, thinking of your happy place.
You can use a birth comb or a Tens machine (both of these essentially ‘distract’ your brain from the pain with another sensation).
You can use partner massage or Rebozo.
You can move around instinctively in labour and avoid lying on your back.
You can use pain relief like gas and air, or pethidine (an injection).
I go into way more detail on all of the above in my hypnobirthing courses, face to face in Bradford, Shipley, Leeds and West Yorkshire, or online anywhere!
