Episode 174 - Is birth really as painful as people say?

In today's solo episode, I explore some of the most common myths and misconceptions surrounding labour pain.

I look at why labour is experienced differently from person to person, how fear and anxiety can influence the experience of pain, why pain intensity isn't the only factor that determines whether someone has a positive birth experience, and why using pain relief is never a sign that you've failed.

References & Further ReadingJones, L. et al. (2012). Pain management for women in labour: an overview of systematic reviews. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.Read the Cochrane reviewCyna, A.M. et al. (2011). Hypnosis for pain management during labour and childbirth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.Read the Cochrane reviewBohren, M.A. et al. (2017). Continuous support for women during childbirth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.Read the Cochrane reviewWorld Health Organization (2018). WHO recommendations: Intrapartum care for a positive childbirth experience.Read the WHO recommendationsAnim-Somuah, M. et al. (2018). Epidural versus non-epidural or no analgesia for pain management in labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.Read the Cochrane reviewWaldenström, U. et al. (2006). A longitudinal study of women's memory of labour pain—from 2 months to 5 years after the birth. BJOG.Read the research paperNiven, C.A. & Brodie, E.E. (1995). Memory for labor pain: context and quality. Pain.Read the research paper

Resources & Links

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