When asked "What is the first thing that comes to mind when someone says the word 'childbirth?'" many women reply, "PAIN!"

To completely understand pain, it is important to have an understanding of pain thresholds and pain tolerances. We have a pain threshold - that is the level at which we recognize that we have pain. We also have pain tolerance levels - the level where pain can no longer be tolerated. We cannot alter the pain threshold with comfort measures such as massage, breathing techniques and relaxation. The location where we feel pain stays the same. But we CAN alter the pain tolerance level with comfort measures and education about the process that will allay fears (and ultimately anxiety). Education plays an important part in pain tolerance during labor - what the mother is fearful of and what she knows about the physiology of labor can either positively or negatively impact her pain tolerance. Many times, women who are committed to natural and normal childbirth utilize all available comfort measures (along with the body's endorphins) and succeed with their quest for a medication free birth experience.

It is often helpful to view comfort measures in terms of the five senses: touch, taste, see, smell, and hearing. Categorizing comfort measures in this way makes them easy to understand, remember and…use!

Touch ~ one human reaching out and touching another human in support, respect and compassion. Touch has been shown to reduce stress hormones
adrenaline/catecholamines. In labor, reducing these hormones has a facilitating effect on labor. Adrenaline, in high enough quantities, can actually slow or stop labor. Because our touch fibers are larger than pain fibers, positively stimulating touch fibers during labor can reduce the impact of pain.

Massage/effleurage ~ direct application of touching to the body by hands or massage tools.  This light touch works on the Gate Control Theory - only so much stimuli can get to the brain.

Hydrotherapy ~ shower or tub provides physical calming as well as psychological (we relax when in the shower or bath).

Positioning ~ changing positions often (every 20-45 minutes) helps the baby complete the Cardinal Movements - those movements through the mother's body, in and through the pelvis and into the birth canal more efficiently and often, in less time.

Taste ~ Sugary substances that are sour stimulate salivary glands and keeps energy level up. Sour also helps to reduce nausea. Try Sour Suckers, Honey Sticks, Popsicles, and sports drinks.

See/Visual ~ Sometimes in the hospital setting, it is more pleasing to gaze at a photo of a favorite place, loved one or other pleasant view. This offers visual calming alternative to some of the medical things to look at in the hospital. Use a focal point and partner for reassurance.  Try turning down the lights, too, for a more relaxed atmosphere.

Smell ~ familiar smells invoke pleasant sensations. Be aware that some smells invoke not-so pleasant sensations. Aromatherapy and candles (at home only)

Hear ~ Relaxation music, positive affirmations to say to the mother, guided imagery.  Sometimes, when the music has been used repeatedly in practice sessions prior to the birth, the mother relates this music to relaxing situations in the past and thus relaxes when she is in labor.  Relaxation allows more oxygen to the baby and the uterus, and allows the body to do the work necessary to birth the baby.