All-natural pain management
There’s more than one way to birth a baby. If you plan to turn down the drugs and needles on delivery day, consider these alternatives for easing labor pains.

There was a time when baby called the shots on exactly when and how he would enter this world. And while that’s still the case in many ways, at least today’s moms have more options when it comes to dealing with the pain! Whether epidurals give you the creeps or you’re just looking for a more natural route, consider these alternatives—alone or in conjunction—and develop a birth plan that incorporates your doctor’s recommendations and your own intuition.

Lamaze: Getting back to basics
According to nonprofit organization Childbirth Connection, maternity care in the United States often “overuses high-tech procedures while under using high-touch, noninvasive measures.” In contrast, the folks at Lamaze International teach natural birthing techniques based on six healthy practices:

  • Let labor begin on its own. No Pitocin here! Stick to the old standbys—long walks, spicy food and sexy encounters—or simply wait for baby to make his move.
  • Walk, move around and change positions throughout labor. The movement will promote healthy circulation and deeper breathing while potentially advancing labor. Certain prenatal yoga moves can also help you relax while you’re waiting for baby’s arrival.
  • Bring a loved one, friend or doula to support you. Depend on others to help you through this major event. You may not want a crowd, but a few staunch supporters will be helpful to have on hand when you need them.
  • Avoid interventions that are not medically necessary. Hold the tubes and needles, please. Constant fetal monitoring, IV application and other interventions may not be necessary if your labor is progressing healthily.
  • Choose the most comfortable position in which to give birth and follow your body’s urges to push. If you’re not tied to a hospital bed by an infant monitor, IV or epidural, you may find that standing or squatting will put gravity on your side and help with baby’s downward progress.
  • Keep your baby with you in the hospital and at home. While there’s nothing wrong with utilizing the hospital nursery, many moms have found that “rooming-in” has many advantages. Postpartum depression is less likely to strike, baby is apt to be happier and healthier when he’s enjoying skin-to-skin contact with you, and breastfeeding comes more naturally for you both when you keep close quarters.

NOTE: These options are available to moms approaching labor and delivery under normal circumstances. There are,
of course, complications that may necessitate the use of Pitocin, an epidural or a Csection, and that’s nothing
to feel guilty about! Consult your doctor to plot the best course of action.[Helathy Living Solution]

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