Yes - It Hurts! How to Cope with Labor Pain…
Oct 20th, 2009 by Bellybar Team
When I was pregnant and preparing for delivery, my husband and I knew that we needed guidance, especially about pain coping techniques. My husband is a researcher, so he bought over 10 books (yes, 10+!) on different delivery styles. However, I learn by doing, so I signed up for the best birthing class ever – the McMoyler Method taught by the fabulous Sarah McMoyler. Sarah has generously offered some tips here for how to cope with labor pain:
“The operative word here is COPING. This means that she is able to work through the contraction, using vocalization to help her get through the peak of the contraction-when you think about it, the human response to pain has some noise attached to it! This holds true in labor; it needs to be a productive sound, like moaning versus screaming- which can lead to panic-distinctly not helpful. She also needs to allow her partner and nurse to assist her to ‘release and let go’ in between the contractions. This means that she is completely at rest, slowing her breathing and building up energy to ride the next contraction
While I think it is a great goal to picture yourself moving through labor on your own steam, I also think it is unrealistic and unnecessary to be rigid as you anticipate labor. Remaining open and flexible to make decisions along the way gives you room to choose as your needs become known during labor.
Stay tuned for Sarah’s next blog entry which will feature specific maneuvers designed to increase coping and assist labor progress.”
Sarah McMoyler
