Focused breathing
There are a few reasons focused breathing may help with pain management during labor. It may help bring focus, or it may release endorphins. Any way you look at it, it provides needed oxygen for baby and parent.
Relaxation
There are many ways to encourage relaxation in labor. Some parents find success with programs like Hypnobabies, a hypnosis program for pregnancy and labor. Others find things like ambient lighting, soft music to be useful.
Hydrotherapy
With very few side effects, hydrotherapy has been shown to manage pain, overall, better than IV narcotics. Parents also report a sense of satisfaction with their experiences of comfort and pain relief.
Nitrous Oxide
Self-administered, typically through a mask, nitrous oxide relieves pain by decreasing the perception of pain. It may also reduce anxiety.
Narcotic Pain Relievers
Medications such as Stadol, Nubain, Fentanyl, or Demerol may be used in the IV to relieve discomfort in labor. They may relieve discomfort and may facilitate rest if the parent is tired.
