what pain coping method works best?

Erica - posted on 06/25/2011

I had a home birth in water without using any methods. I really just believe with the right atmosphere that you just get into the "zone" and the pain seems to not be too bad. I really did love the birthing pool and spent a lot of time in the shower.

Abigail - posted on 05/15/2011

I've given birth to four children. The first two were waterbirths where I used HypnoBirthing, and the last two were c-sections. I am such a huge advocate of HB that I became an educator. I practiced the HB technique daily throughout my first pregnancy and when I went into labor, I didn't even know it. I thought I had a stomach bug and went to the hospital to get an IV because I was vomiting and on the toilet. When I got there 3 hours after my symptoms began, my Midwife checked me and told me I was 10cm dilated. I climbed into the tub and did my techniques, listened to my Waterbirth CD, and 3hrs later with two big pushes, my daughter was born.

But you have to actually practice the technique for it to work.

When I got pregnant with my second daughter, I used the same techniques, but only minimally practiced them throughout the pregnancy and the surges I felt when I was almost done dilating made me cry, and the urge I felt to push was so strong I had to yell through each push. It definitely wasn't as satisfying an experience as the first.

With my 3rd and 4th children I did nothing good for myself throughout my pregnancy (yoga, meditation, etc) and didn't even think about HB and I wound up with a cesarean because my daughter never descended into my pelvis at all.

Whatever method you use, I truly believe it's mind over matter. You need to focus on what kind of birthing experience you want, then believe it will become a reality. Push any fears or negative thoughts out of your mind and think only positive, happy thoughts about a beautiful and peaceful birth experience.

Best of luck to you and your baby! You can do it!!

Angela - posted on 04/11/2011

I've used lamaze and hypnobirthing and as a doula I've witnessed Prepared Childbirth and Bradley methods. The method I've seen the most success with in my clients is prepared childbirth. I loved hypnobirthing for myself, and used a few of the techniques which happened to work really well. The best for me was light touch massage. The theory behind it is the light touch activates your goose bump reaction and sends endorphins through your body, which act as a natural painkiller. I even did it on myself, did it on my belly. It worked so well.

Another thing that helps immensely: getting baby in a really good birthing position. Check out www.spinningbabies.com for more on that. They have some amazing stuff on that site.

Frances - posted on 03/19/2011

I suppose the Bradley method was the only one I ever used. Why try another one when the first one works extremely well? I have had four Bradley births and I want my daughters to do the same thing. I only had a moderate, dull ache with labor. I never had uterine cramps, so my labor was not extreme pain. The Bradley method prevents the fight-flight response and the fear-tension-pain syndrome, so you don't have cramps.