Then, we have the mother-to-be who is looking forward to the big day but somewhat anxious about the pain involved. What natural forms of pain relief can she use to help her through the labour? Water births seem to get a big thumbs-up, judging by the substantial number of responses from satisfied mothers who chose this birthing method. Homeopathy also has a few tricks up its sleeves. Apparently, there are remedies for speeding up labour, slowing it down, calming anxious mothers and fathers, turning the baby if it is in breech etc. Bach flower remedies are also helpful for coping with trauma during the birth (Rescue Remedy) and for providing comfort afterwards (Bach Star of Bethlehem). Lavender back massages apparently does wonders, so much so that one reader amazingly slept through the birth of a 10lb 7 oz baby. Another reader also had a virtually painfree birth with a combination of Reiki and Emotional Freedom Technique. If you are the type who can fall into self-hypnosis while a 9lb bundle is determined to tear itself out of your body, then hypnotherapy may have some anaesthetizing benefits. If not, other suggestions besides the ones already mentioned include using a TENS machine and not forgetting to breathe, breathe, breathe.
A little preparation also wouldn't go amiss. Before the big event, try: keeping mobile; practising yoga; drinking copious amounts of raspberry tea and having reflexology/acupuncture sessions.