why we feel pain in labor and pain relief methods

[blue daisy]

I believe very strongly in relaxation for labor and birth and there are only benefits, but it does require practice...and me type A personality used it very effectively with Jay's labor and water birth

Research studies have shown that relaxation reduces a laboring woman?s perception of pain as it works to decrease tension and anxiety, promoting a calm and relaxed woman, therefore reducing the release of adrenaline and promoting the release of endorphins.

A relaxed woman breathes more effectively, promoting optimum oxygen levels for the uterus and baby, and reducing muscle tension.

Before you can learn to relax you must first become aware of how you breathe

Remember you need to breathe to oxygenate the uterus as it works (in labor) and also breathe to oxygenate your baby. If the breath becomes short, shallow and sharp, as it often does when we are feeling anxious or fearful, the baby is deprived of oxygen, resulting in dips in your baby?s heart rate. The uterus also suffers from a decreased blood supply, and like all muscles, the uterus will suffer as a result of decreased oxygen. The uterus will continue to rhythmically surge and retract, as it is designed to, but will do so in less than optimal conditions?resulting in discomfort as the muscle strives to do its job.

In the late stage of pregnancy, you may start to experience aches and irregular uterine tightenings (Braxton Hicks) as your uterus prepares itself for labor. Take this opportunity to visualize the tightening of the uterus, the muscle embracing your baby, and relax the body and the breath. Gentle energizing inhalation, gentle releasing exhalation.


just something I threw together

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