Mel, interesting idea! Actually my doula lent me a book of birth stories, and one of them was about a woman who gave birth in the northern territory, and all she had for pain relief was a joint and green bananas. It worked for her.

Personally, I wouldn't do it. I have tried it a few times, and found the sensation so bizarre that it made me tense rather than relaxed. So nope, not for me. Also, I am not sure about the impact it would have on the baby (but yeah that is for another thread).

I was surprised by how desperate I got when I was nearing my due date, so I aint gunna judge anyone...