Pain Management Series
This is a 16-week series covering everything from epidurals to acupuncture.
Pain seems to be the top factor that people worry about when it comes to pregnancy and childbirth. What most people don’t know is, there are different ways to view and address the topic of pain in labor.
Pain Management during Labor
In this video and article, we talk all about pain management during labor. You will learn the difference between “pain” and “suffering”, the approaches in pain management during labor and birth, and the types of pain management strategies.
Epidural during Labor for Pain Management
In this video and article, we talk all about the use of epidurals during labor. Are epidurals an effective form of pain relief? What are the risks and side effects?
Effect of Epidurals on Breastfeeding
In this video, we talk all about the potential effect of epidurals on breastfeeding. You’ll learn about how the dose of an epidural can affect your baby’s breastfeeding behaviors. You’ll also learn ways to overcome challenges that you might face with breastfeeding after an epidural.
Effects of Epidurals on the Second Stage of Labor
Today’s video is all about the effects of epidurals on the second stage of labor, or the pushing phase. We will look at the research to see if epidurals lengthen the second stage or make no difference. The findings from a new study in China may surprise you!
Effects of IV Opioids during Labor
In this video and blog post you will learn all about the effects of IV opioids during labor. Which types of drugs are commonly used? How are they different? We will discuss potential side effects and summarize the pros and cons.
Nitrous Oxide During Labor
In this video you will learn about nitrous oxide gas and how it can be used during labor for pain relief. We discuss the research evidence on nitrous oxide during labor and the main pros and cons of this approach to pain management.
Positions during Labor and their Effects on Pain Relief
What are the potential benefits of movement and upright positions during labor for pain relief? We’ll go over the evidence, including what studies have found about the effectiveness of birth balls and dance labor. We’ll also discuss several professional guidelines on movement and positions during labor.
Painless Birth and Pain Perception During Childbirth
Do we have research evidence on how often painless birth occurs? We will discuss what we found and go over the evidence on factors that can shape pain perception during childbirth. We’ll also look at the complex relationship between effective pain relief during labor and maternal satisfaction with the birth experience.
Water Immersion during Labor for Pain Relief
In this video, we discuss hydrotherapy in a tub, birth pool, or shower as a pain relief option during labor and/or birth. Does water immersion during labor provide effective pain relief? Is it commonly used? We go over the research evidence as well as recommendations from several professional organizations.
Using a Doula for Pain Relief
Today’s video is all about using a doula for pain relief! Are you familiar with birth doulas? Find out how they provide pain relief during labor and childbirth. Learn about the evidence for using a doula for pain relief. We’ll also share some ways that you can locate a doula.
Acupuncture or Acupressure for Pain Relief during Labor
Check out today’s video all about acupuncture and acupressure for pain relief during labor! Find out what acupuncture and acupressure are and learn about their long history. Have studies found them to provide effective pain relief during labor?
Aromatherapy during Labor for Pain Relief
Learn about aromatherapy during labor and how researchers think it might work to relieve pain. We’ll share the evidence from recent studies and whether they found aromatherapy to be effective at relieving pain and anxiety. We also discuss potential harms of aromatherapy and its effects on nursing staff.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for pain relief during labor
What is TENS and how is it used for pain relief during labor? In today’s video, we’ll share all about the evidence for using TENS during labor and how researchers think it might work. We’ll also discuss its history, if it’s linked to any adverse effects, and how you can acquire a TENS unit and learn to use it.
Childbirth Education for Pain Relief during Labor
This video covers the evidence on childbirth education for pain relief during labor. How many people take childbirth classes and what material do they cover? We discuss the challenges of studying childbirth education interventions and go over the findings from an interesting study on this topic out of Australia.
Sterile Water Injections for pain relief during labor
In today’s video, we’ll learn what sterile water injections are and how they might help to provide pain relief during labor. We’ll discuss the evidence on their effectiveness and the latest clinical recommendations from a 2017 systematic review.
Hypnosis for Pain Relief during Labor
Learn the evidence on using hypnosis for pain relief during labor! Is hypnosis an effective method of pain relief? What’s the difference between HypnoBirthing® and Hypnobabies®?
Massage for pain relief during labor
We discuss the evidence on using massage for pain relief during labor and for pain in general. What benefits does massage provide? What types of massage might be helpful during labor?
Music for Pain Relief During Labor
In this video, we look at the evidence for listening to music during labor. Does it help with pain relief? What is the best music for relaxation?
Relaxation for Pain Relief During Labor
Is relaxation for pain relief effective? Learn techniques that can be used during labor and find out which (if any) are supported by evidence.
Breathing for pain relief during labor
Many childbirth classes teach breathing for pain relief during labor. But is there evidence that this is effective? Which breathing techniques work best?
Wrap-up of Pain Management Series
This wrap-up of pain management series covers the many different drug and non-drug comfort measures during labor. Learn our overall takeaway.