Working With Pain In Labor
Factors that increase pain: hunger, tiredness, focus on pain, worry, uncertainty, tension, fear of the unknown, loneliness, waiting for the pain, feeling helpless, not wanting to be in labor or ambivalence about being a mother.
Factors that decrease pain: trust in Jesus, satisfaction, being rested, focus on others and the environment, confidence, relaxation, knowledge, company of partner and others, focus on the present, being self-determination and active.
Fear – Tension – Pain- Fear – Tension – Pain – Fear – Tension – Pain
Tension is the major cause of pain in labor. Relax, rest the body, allow the uterus to work with the contractions. Tight muscles will cut off the oxygen supply to the uterus causing pain. Aid the relaxation with resting in Jesus, relaxation with touch and massage. Ask to be talked through the contraction, if you would like to have some help. Ask for eye contact. Encouragement and attention is the key to a comfortable and joyous labor and delivery –even when it is the hardest work you have ever done.
Take one contraction at a time.. Be in the here and now. Let go of each contraction, the last one will never return again. Say yes to those contractions. Become open to the pain. Think of opening that gate and seeing your baby.
Causes of pain in labor:
Myometrial anoxia (definition: lack of oxygen to the uterine muscle) Contraction of a muscle during a period of relative lack of oxygen, causes pain. When uterine relaxation between contractions is insufficient to allow adequate oxygenation, the severity of pain is increased. So, work on truly relaxing muscle groups so that your muscles can get enough oxygen to work right.
Stretching of the cervix – Cervical stretching causes pain that is felt mainly in the back. Pressure on the nerve ganglia across from the cervix and vagina. Traction of the tubes, ovaries, and peritoneum. Traction on and stretching of the supporting ligaments. Pressure on the urethra, bladder and rectum. Distension of the muscles of the pelvic floor and perineum.
Ideas to help you get through: Surrendering to the strength of birth is not losing control. SAY YES to the contractions as they get stronger. Realize that they are opening you up and you will be holding your baby soon. This is truly a labor of love.
Say positive things to you baby and others about opening and labor. You and you baby are working together in labor to be able to see each other. Talk to your baby.
Say in your heart…”OPEN UP” and let the support and love being shared with you by your partner and attendants sink in. They are praying for you and want so much to meet your need right now.
It is O.K. to cry if you want to. Throw-up if you need to, and laugh when something comes up that is funny. This is a very intense time and the intensity is a gift if you will work with it.
Call out to the Lord in your time of need. He promises to be exactly what you need to get through each contraction.
Use rhythm and rocking to get through the hard ones. Relax, rock your body, and even count, chant or sing a song of praise.
Pain management during labor, actually starts months before labor begins. Learn to have a thankful attitude about pregnancy, your baby and birth. Set up your support system weeks before labor begins. Meals, childcare, supplies, and important life details need to be ironed out before labor begins.