How to feel less pain in labour

Dr. Grantly Dick-Read first suggested the fear-tension-pain cycle in the 1920s. When a birther is fearful in labour they increase the tension in their body, which causes them the feel more pain, and this continues the cycle.

Think of it this way, when contractions begin and you start to think about how scared you are about the birth, you grit your teeth and squeeze your partners hand to get through the contraction. This causes more tension and creates more pain.

Labour and birth aren’t like what we see in the movies. We never see a calm, in control birther.

If we flip this typical portrayal of labour and you surrender to the contraction you will feel less pain. Surrendering looks like releasing your eyebrows, unclenching your jaw, relaxing your shoulders, and unclenching your hands.

But how do I stop fear from kickstarting this cycle? Get educated! Hire a doula to help you feel empowered and supported during your labour.