by Jami Milliken

Created on: November 15, 2009   Last Updated: November 16, 2009

In the back of every pregnant woman's mind is the fear of labor. The unknown of what is going to happen. The idea of how painful labor is going to be. Dealing with the reality of labor takes time to physically and emotionally prepare for. Mothers must know techniques to use while in labor to relieve pain and successfully birth their child.

Support from a woman's partner is crucial. Hearing the soft voice of a spouse, while in deep labor, can be the line between making it or having a total meltdown. Their gentle hands applying pressure to a mother's back can relieve lower back pain. The key to pain management is to relax all the muscles in a laboring mother's body. Labor classes, such as natural childbirth classes, help prepare both the mother and father for what to expect during labor.

A great way to control pain, while in labor, is to use a birthing tub. The continuous warmth of the water and the feel of weightlessness helps with the contractions. Some women even birth their child in the tub. Without the resistance of gravity, a woman has one less factor working against her and she can be even stronger at controlling pain.

Freedom of movement helps with easing pain. A woman leaning against a door frame, or her spouse, and moving her hips back and forth can relieve pain while preparing the baby to correctly go through the birth canal. Trying different positions will help the mother find a comfortable way to deal with labor.

Calm breathing and a focused mind-set will help a mother through the many stages of labor. A woman's spouse can feel, by touch, where she is tense and calmly tell her to relax and take deep, slow breaths. Focusing on breathing will help a mother control herself through the climax of the contractions. If she can keep on top of the pain, she is more likely to have a natural birth.

The birth of a child is the most wonderful day in a parent's life. To bring new life into this world is a very special gift. Taking time, before labor begins, to prepare for the pain will make giving birth much easier. Though the pain of labor can be overwhelming at times, it is all worth it when parents get to look into the beautiful eyes of their newly born child.

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