The way you will perceive the contraction will affect the way you experience your labor and birth.

Greta Sprenkeling, a certified Doula explains in the video below how the uterus is a big muscle. The uterus will contract causing a huge wave of energy. When you ride that wave, you can experience the contraction like bliss. When you resist the energy wave it causes pain. It is important to create an environment in which you can stay relaxed, because as the contractions get stronger, you will release more endorphins to match the intensity. When you are tense or anxious you inhibit the endorphins from being released. Endorphins are your natural painkiller. The key to ease in labor is surrender to what your body knows to do.

Here are several comfort measures for labor that you may find helpful. Keep these different techniques on hand so you can use what works best for you. Keep in mind that what might work for one contraction may not work on the next. Have several options available to help you relax.

Heat: Take a warm shower or bath. Water can be both calming and relaxing. You can also use a heat pack on your back.

Cold: Use a cool cloth to place on your forehead or use an icepack on your back.

Massage: Have your birth support person massage where you need it most. You’ll know exactly where and where not to have him/her massage. A double hip squeeze can be particularly effective. A foot massage in early labor can be very relaxing. Your support person can also note where your body is tense and work that area and remind you to relax.

Aromatherapy: Use a spray bottle with a few drops of aromatherapy oil that you like.  Lavender is very popular but try different scents to see what works for you.

Get Physical: Try different positions -- walking, pelvic rocking, sitting on a birth ball and swaying or sidelying are all great options.

Acupressure and Acupuncture: These age-old techniques were developed in China for treatment of many medical conditions, including pain. Applying firm pressure (acupressure) or inserting and maneuvering fine needles (acupuncture) at certain areas of the body is an effective form of pain management for some. For more information on acupuncture, visit the website for the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at http://nccam.nih.gov/.

Doulas: A doula is a professional assistant who gives emotional and tangible support to women in labor. A doula can be an excellent complement to your birth support team. Check with your local hospital or your practitioner for information regarding doulas in your area or visit the website of Doulas of North America.

Greta Sprenkeling of AZ BirthConnection, LLC is a certified doula, prenatal massage therapist and pregnancy yoga instructor. Since 1995 she has supported over 300 families to have a healthy pregnancy, better birth and easy recovery. Learn more about Greta by visiting her website -- www.superdoula.com.