Pain Relief During Labour
Natural Techniques That Work in Calgary Hospitals
Labour is a powerful journey, and managing pain naturally can make it feel empowering rather than overwhelming. As a Calgary Doula, I’ve supported moms through births at Foothills Medical Centre, Peter Lougheed Centre, Rockyview General Hospital, and South Health Campus using evidence-based, natural pain relief techniques. These methods—breathing, movement, hydrotherapy, and hands-on support—are welcomed in Calgary’s hospitals and can help you stay calm and in control, whether you’re aiming for a medication-free birth or complementing medical options. Here’s a practical guide to natural pain relief, with Calgary-specific tips to prepare for a confident birth experience.
Why Choose Natural Pain Relief?
Natural pain relief techniques reduce stress hormones like cortisol, which can shorten labour and lower the need for interventions (Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada [SOGC], 2024). They’re versatile for Calgary’s hospital settings, where AHS encourages patient-centered care, and they work beautifully alongside epidurals if you choose them later. Studies show continuous support, like from a doula, can reduce C-section rates by up to 25% (Cochrane, 2017). Let’s explore techniques you can use at Foothills, Rockyview, or beyond.
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Breathing regulates your nervous system and distracts from contraction intensity. Practice these at home to feel confident in the hospital:
Slow, Deep Breathing: Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds, exhale through your mouth for 6. Use this in early labour to stay relaxed. Picture a calm setting that always makes you feel comforted.
Patterned Breathing (“Hee-Hee-Hoo”): For active labour, breathe short, quick “hee-hee” followed by a long “hoo” during contractions. I teach this in prenatal sessions.
Cleansing Breaths: After each contraction, take a deep inhale and sigh out tension. This resets your focus.
Calgary Hospital Tip : Calgary hospitals allow dim lighting to enhance relaxation—ask your nurse to adjust the room. Bring a portable speaker for calming music to sync with your breathing (hospitals permit this).
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Moving during labour helps the baby descend and relieves pressure on your pelvis. Calgary hospitals provide tools like birth balls and peanut balls to support these positions.
Standing Sway: Lean on your partner or a hospital bed rail, swaying hips side-to-side. This works well in early labour, easing lower back pain.
Squatting: Opens your pelvis by up to 10% (Association of Women’s Health, Obstretic and Neonatal Nurses [AWHONN], 2023). Hold onto bed rails or a squat bar for support.
Hands-and-Knees: Great for back labour caused by the baby’s position. Request a yoga mat or extra pillows to make this comfy.
Local Tip: When checking into a Calgary hospital, ask for a birth ball or peanut ball. I can guide you and your partner to maximize these tools during labour.
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Warm water relaxes muscles and reduces pain perception, making hydrotherapy a go-to for natural relief. Calgary hospitals offer these options:
Showers: South Health Campus and Peter Lougheed have handheld showerheads—direct warm water to you rlower back during contractions for instant relief.
Birthing Tubs: Rockyview provides a deep tub for labour (not delivery). Soak for 20-30 minutes per session to eas tension. (Note that Rockyview only has one tub, and it is first come first served. Ask as soon as you arrive, and have a backup plan).
Home Prep Option: If practicing at home, try a warm bath. For home births, rent a birth pool.
Pro Tip: Pack a speaker for soothing playlists—Calgary hospitals allow this, and I can suggest tracks that match your breathing rhythm. If you prefer, you can also use in ear ehadphones which is a nice option for noise cancelling and staying in your “birth bubble”.
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Your partner or doula (like me!) amplifies these techniques with physical and emotional support, which is especially valuable in busy Calgary hospitals where nurses juggle multiple patients:
Acupressure on Sacrum: Apply firm pressure to your lower back during cntractions (just above the tailbone). I teach partners this technique, which is a game-changer for back labour.
Hip Squeeze: Your doula or partner presses your hips inward during contractions to relieve pelvic pressure. This is perfect for active labour.
Affirmations and Encouragement: Hearing “You’re doing amazing!” boosts oxytocin, the hormone that drives labour. As your doula, I stay by your side, offering continuous support…I’ll be one of the few people who will be by your side from the beginning to end.
Real Example (Shared with Permission): Emilia, a Calgary mom, laboured at Foothills and felt overwhelmed by intense contractions. Her midwife monitored vitals, while I guided her through slow breathing and hip squeezes, keeping her focused. Her partner held her hand and whispered loving affirmations into her ear (increasing oxytocin), and Emilia said it made her feel “in control and supported.”
Preparing for Natural Pain Relief in Calgary
To make these techniques second nature, here’s how to prep:
Practice at Home: Start breathing and movement excercises by 32 weeks. My prenatal doula sessions at www.laurenhaledoula.com include hands-on practice tailored to your birth plan.
Talk to Your Care Team: Confirm hospital policies (e.g., tub access, birth ball availability) during AHS prenatal visits or with your midwife. All hospitals are doula-friendly.
Hire a Doula: My support includes coaching you and your partner on these techniques, advocating for your preferences, and staying with you throughout labour. Book a free consultation at www.laurenhaledoula.com
Calgary Specific Resources
Prenatal Classes:
The Birth and the Bees is a trustworthy, cozy, and in depth class which is offered in small to mid sized groups at a setting near Nose Hill, as well as Aurora Midwifery Clinic.
Local Support Groups:
Mama Moon Maternity hosts workshops on labour prep, including natural pain relief demos.
Hospital Tours
Book a tour at the hospital you plan on delivering at, to see labour rooms and ask about tubs and other props.
Why Natural Pain Relief Shines in Calgary
Calgary’s hospitals, backed by AHS’s patient-centered approach, welcome natural pain relief techniques, making them ideal for moms wanting an active role in their birth. I’ve seen these methods transform labours, helping moms like you feel strong and supported. Whether you’re delivering at a hospital or exploring home birth, these techniques, paired with doula support, can make your birth story unforgettable.
Ready to master natural pain relief for your Calgary birth?