You've set your mind to having a pain medication-free labor, but that doesn't mean you have to approach labor without any pain management techniques in mind.
- Education: Some experts believe much of the pain experienced during childbirth is associated with fear or tension caused by lack of knowledge about the changes that happen in the body during labor. Educating yourself on what causes pain during labor may help reduce pain on a psychological level.
- Breathing: Breathing exercises are one of the top alternative pain management techniques for labor. The Lamaze method is the most common. Lamaze focuses on breathing exercises to reduce pain.
- Calming Environment: According to Leboyer, bright lights and noise increases labor pain, so reducing light to a minimum and keeping the labor room quiet may reduce pain through relaxation.