Step 6

We do all we can to help you cope with labour.

We hear a lot about the ‘pain of labour’, but little about why pain is part of birth.  The promise of ‘pain relief’ from drugs sounds attractive but there are good reasons to avoid such medical interventions in a straightforward birth. 

Angus midwives understand that your body is amazing and that, with the right support and preparation, you will cope with a straightforward labour. ‘Working with pain’ helps keep birth straightforward and helps midwives spot possible problems at an early stage. Pharmacological pain relief (pethidine) is also available in certain circumstances if you request it.

For a short article on coping with labour see Help yourself to a straightforward birth by Jilly Rosser, reproduced by permission of NCT, or read Adela Stockton's book Positive Pain.

Also have a look at the MIDIRS Informed Choice leaflet number 14 ‘Non-epidural pain relief’ 

Other articles on coping with pain in labour include:
 
No Gain Without Pain!  by Nicky Leap

The Pain of Labour  by Andrea Robertson

Pain in Labour – Your Hormones Are Your Helpers  by Sarah Buckley.

In Angus, we encourage you to eat and drink if you wish during labour, as following your instincts makes it more likely you will have a straightforward birth.