As some of you may know, I'm planning on trying to have as natural a birth as I can. I really don't want an epidural at all, but if I have to have pethidine & gas I'm perfectly fine with that. So what I wondered is what people have used as pain relief without medication while they were in labour.

At our antenatal class last week they were suggesting different positions & movements to help with pain in ealry labour. These included making circles with your hips or making a sort of elvis style pelvic thrust. They also suggested leaning forward is helpful.

Ice packs & hot showers were also recommended. What the physio said was that if something is really cold or really hot you're mind concentrates on that rather than the labour pains. Ever noticed how if you have a headache & stub your toe you forget about the headache cos of the pain in your toe - apparently the body can deal with only one pain at a time...

It was also suggested that alot you can get through alot of the pain with meditation. I have some relaxation music (with nature sounds in it) that I'm planning on taking with me. They suggest that leading up until the birth you practice relaxing to whatever music you want once a week & then when you get to the hospital that relaxing music should help somewhat.

Has anyone used these techniques successfully & what other things have you tried? I'm interested in trying anything really & I know at least a few others that are in 3rd tri at the moment are also interested.