NHS Suffolk and North East Essex - Labour and Birth Booklet

20 Coping strategies and pain management in labour As labour progresses, there are plenty of options available to help you manage the sensation of the contractions as they get stronger and more intense. For more information visit: • NHS Choices www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pain-relief-labour/ • Labour Pains www.labourpains.com/home • Tommy’s www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/labour-birth/pain-relief-labour- and-birth Coping in early labour The early labour (or latent) phase is usually spent at home, and there are plenty of things you can try to ease any discomfort you have whilst also encouraging labour to progress well. These simple techniques can also help throughout labour: • having a warm bath or shower • sleeping/resting in between contractions • eating and drinking, little and often • staying calm and relaxed and focusing on deep, slow breathing • distraction techniques such as cooking or watching TV • massage from your birthing partner, particularly on the lower back and/or shoulders • trying different positions or going for a gentle walk. For more information visit: • National Childbirth Trust www.nct.org.uk/birth/working-pain-labour