There are many pain relief options for mothers today during childbirth.  If you are able to make it through labor drug-free, that is a wonderful bonus to childbirth.  But if you feel you need pain relief, there are several options for women today.  Your main goal is to have a healthy labor and birth, and only you and your physician know what is best for you and your baby.

• Self Hypnosis and Visualization - Many women are able to use visualization techniques to maintain a form of self hypnosis.  Preparation begins months before birth and involves finding images to focus on during contractions.  Some women imagine they are on a raft in an ocean.  As the waves of pain come and go, they imagine themselves floating on waves.  Imagine your baby on the sand, with each wave bringing you closer to your little one. The images of warm sea air, seagulls and a gentle wind bring them to a state where they can tolerate the pain.  One of our readers visualized herself dancing the waltz with her husband.  The images of her swirling to beautiful music helped her to achieve her goal of a drug-free birth.  If you prepare yourself months in advance, taking time weekly to bring yourself to your special place - you will be able to focus and place yourself in a different world during labor.

• Massage - Your birthing partner can practice massage techniques to bring some relief to you during contractions.  This is especially helpful if you are experiencing back pain during labor.

• Warm Water - Warm water can be extremely soothing and relaxing during labor.  Even if you do not plan on a water birth, you can sit in a birthing pool during labor.  The water relieves pressure you would normally feel walking, and will relax you during your contractions.  Studies show that water is more efficient if the mother has already reached 5 cm dilated - but if you need relief, go in any time you want!  Some hospitals do not have birthing pools, but have showers in the bathroom.  Your birthing partner can put on a bathing suit and come in with you, holding you through contractions.  Your shower will most likely have a hand held shower head, which will enable you to spray body temperature water over your belly and back.  It is recommended that your water remain at body temperature.  Hotter water can dehydrate you and can cause unnecessary problems during your labor.

If you originally planned on having a drug-free childbirth but decide you need pain relief, the rule of thumb is to wait 15 minutes after that decision.  Oftentimes the moment you feel the greatest need for pain relief is the closest time to delivery.  If you immediately have the pain relief administered, you can slow down your labor.  You'll be surprised after a fifteen minute wait - your labor may have significantly progressed - especially if you are walking - and it might be time to push.  Additionally, your body releases natural pain relief in the form of endorphins.  If you allow your body some time, it can provide it's own form of pain relief.

• Regional Anesthetics - A regional anesthetic will stop pain transmission from nerve fibers in localized areas.  A caudal anesthetic is injected into your spinal area and numbs the vaginal and perineum areas.  This is a short term anesthetic.  A pudendal block is injected directly into the vaginal area and blocks the pudendal nerve.  This type of block numbs the lower part of your vagina.

• Epidural Block - This is the most common form of pain relief used during childbirth.  The anesthesiologist will give you a local anesthetic in your back to numb the injection site.  Then he or she will insert a hollow needle into your back.  A catheter, or thin tube, is inserted down the hollow needle, and then the needle is removed, leaving the catheter in place.  The tube is filled with anesthetic and is sealed.  More of the anesthetic can be added as needed.  The epidural blocks pain from spreading beyond the uterus.  You will not feel anything from your waist to your knees.  The downside of an epidural is you may have a hard time controlling your muscles to push.  Additionally, after you have delivered your baby, you may not be able to urinate.  This can cause pain and other problems - so after you have delivered and things have settled down, have your nurse help you to the bathroom to urinate.  Some women go into the delivery room very nervous about receiving an epidural.  What most find is that when they are hurting enough for an epidural, they are not only not afraid of an epidural, they are excited about it.

• Pain Relief with Narcotics - Your doctor can give you narcotics such as meperidine through an I.V. drip or by injection.  This is a morphine-like drug and should be given initially in small doses.  Remember, any drugs you receive will pass through to your baby during labor.

Any medications you take during delivery can be transferred to your baby.  Your baby can become drowsy and may not nurse well after delivery.  Narcotics can slow your baby's respiration as well.  An epidural block will not effect your baby.