NHS Suffolk and North East Essex - Personal Care Plans Booklet

14 7. During labour and birth I would consider the following coping strategies/pain management...  I prefer to avoid all pain relief  self-hypnosis/hypnobirthing  aromatherapy/homeopathy/reflexology  water (bath or birthing pool)  TENS machine (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)  gas and air (entonox)  pethidine/diamorphine/meptid (opioid injection)  epidural  I prefer to wait and see  I am not sure/would like to find out more Your options for pain management will depend on where you plan to give birth. Discuss with your midwife and ask what options are available to you at your local maternity unit. My thoughts, feelings and questions: 8. During labour and birth I would consider...  massage  walking/standing  different upright positions  a birthing ball such as all fours/squatting/ kneeling  bean bags, birth stools and  a birthing pool birth couches if available  a bed, for rest – propped up  music to be played with pillows or whilst lying (which I will provide) on my side  the lights dimmed  my birth partner taking photographs/filming  I prefer to wait and see  I am not sure/I would like to find out more Your circumstances in labour may influence what choices are available to you. Please discuss this with your midwife at 34-40 weeks. My thoughts, feelings and questions: