What It Actually Feels Like To Give Birth Without An Epidural

Coping Mechanisms

When choosing to forego drugs, there are alternative options to relieving pain naturally. Prior to delivery, practice breathing, meditation, and visualization exercises. During labor, having an exercise or image to focus on while laboring can be powerful in distracting you from the pain. Use an exercise ball, a birthing pool or simply lean against your partner during labor to help alleviate some of the pressure. Moving around can help you experiment with different positions that help with pain relief. Ask your partner for a massage or a heating pad on parts of your body that feel strained. Lastly, let go of inhibitions during labor and let your body take over in the form of yelling, grunting or crying. The emotional release will help with allover physical tension.