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Labor & deliveryAlternative therapiesThere are a variety of methods that promote comfort. Whatever your preferences are, you may want to consider these additional comfort measures in planning your labor and birth.While every measure isn’t available in every medical setting, the following therapies are more readily available and generally accepted. If there is a specific one that you want to take advantage of, call and ask the your childbirth educator or the staff at the delivery center if it is available, or if you need to bring in supplies on your own.
This helps to relax tense and sore muscles while increasing the blood flow to this area. Suggestions include: warm or hot towels (dry or moist), or a heating pad to provide heat to a specific region Applying ice or cool packs may provide a numbing effect to sore areas by reducing the blood flow and swelling. This can be a substitute for massage also. The therapeutic and tension-relieving qualities of certain scents are well recognized. Pleasant experiences stimulate the “good feeling” part of the brain. This may result in a release of hormones called endorphins, which act as the body natural pain relievers. In labor, scents that work well are chamomile, sandalwood, lavender and vanilla. Some women find that music relaxing , while others may find it distracting. If you relax with music or a favorite radio program, be sure to have a CD, tape or radio with you during labor. These will come in handy for back labor - you'll find that you'll want deep pressure applied to the lower back area. Bring a long tube sock and place the tennis balls in it. You can then rest them on the lower back, and direct their pressure to where you need it.
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