The waiting is nearly over. In the next few days you will be welcoming your new bundle of joy to the world but there’s just one final obstacle, the dreaded labour! For those of you who have been there before, I’m sure you’ll agree that once it’s over and when your newborn is nestling in your arms you will instantly forget the pain you have just endured, making it all worthwhile.
Talking to your doctor and your midwife as well as doing your own research will ensure you are well prepared for child birth. There are a variety of different drugs available including gas and air, pethidine injections and epidural blocks but you may wish to try and deliver your baby drug free using complementary methods.
Here are a few alternative therapies you may like to try to help you through child birth.
Tens Machine
Tens stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Tiny electrode pads are taped to your lower back and connect to a small battery powered stimulator. The Tens machine stays strapped to you during labour. When you feel a contraction coming you increase the electrical pulses that trigger pain-relieving endorphins. It’s worth shopping around if you are looking to buy a Tens Machine as many retailers such as Boots do offer the option of hiring as well.
Gym Ball
Large gym balls can be used to gently rock backwards and forwards on, or to bounce gently. The gentle motion can help to relax the body. You may find that not all maternity wards have gym balls so it’s best to check beforehand if you are intending to use one so you can bring your own in. Argos have a few different sizes for you to choose from.
This new invention is a natural aid designed to help throughout childbirth. Laboraide is a mouthpiece made of soft durable material. You simply pop the mouthpiece into your mouth and let it sit between your back teeth. The mouthguard acts as a cushion between your upper and lower jaws and alleviates tension through the neck and shoulders helping to relieve pain.
Aromatherapy
Alternative therapies such as aromatherapy use different stimulating agents to help you reach a relaxed state. Aromatherapists use essential oils to stimulate the hormone oxytocin the feel good hormone. The release of this hormone will help ease stress levels and help you to feel relaxed.
Breathing
Regulating your breathing can help you to focus and release tension and stress. You can learn more about breathing techniques and how to control your breathing from your midwife and through ante-natal classes and organisations like the National Childbirth Trust.
Once child birth is over, you’ll soon be wondering what all the fuss was about as you turn your attention to breastfeeding and nursing. Bumpalicious have a wide range of nursing clothes to help you through the next stage of becoming a parent.