• Relaxation techniques can make the process of childbirth more comfortable.birth of a baby image by Steve Lovegrove from Fotolia.com
  
  Labor and childbirth may be the most painful experience most women will ever go through. The degree of pain and the duration of labor a woman experiences is entirely personal and it varies from one woman to another. There are several ways in which a woman in labor can relax and manage the pain without taking an epidural or another pain-management drug.
  
  

Water Immersion

• Immersing the body in a tub of warm water is relaxing for the mother-to-be. Many hospitals also offer whirlpool tubs that provide massage with forceful jets of water. Water births are an increasingly popular option that many women are considering. The warm water offers buoyancy, stimulates blood circulation, alleviates anxiety and also improves energy levels during early labor.
  
  

Breathing Techniques

• Breathing techniques improve comfort, aid relaxation and reduce feelings of anxiety and tension. Deep, slow breathing provides oxygen to the baby, acts as a non-verbal signal that a contraction is in progress and prevents dizziness. When breathing techniques are accompanied by vocal signals, women can release tension and relax more as the labor progresses.
  
  

Massage

• A massage from the partner or a doula can be beneficial to a woman who is undergoing labor pain. Some of the spots that need massage include the back, hands, inner thighs, lower legs and the stomach. The need for massage and the most useful approach vary between women. Some women may not even appreciate a massage during labor. Proper communication is essential to enhance the benefits of massage during labor. (See Reference 3.)
  
  

Mental Strategies

• A woman in labor can effectively use mental strategies to distract herself from the pain. Visualizing a safe, happy place can foster a sense of peace and relaxation. Some other distraction techniques include prayer, reading and mental stimulation in the form of puzzles or games.
  
  

Support

• Emotional and physical support are important during the process of labor. It can affect a woman's mood and help in making the entire experience a positive one. It also aids relaxation and reduces the need for pain-relieving medication. Some of the people who can offer this support are the clinical caregiver, the partner, a doula, a relative or a friend.
  
  

Calm Environment

• A calm, comfortable environment is also essential to enhance relaxation. Dimmed lights, calming music, aromatherapy, increased privacy and comfortable room temperature can improve comfort and enable the woman to focus on other pain-relieving strategies.
  
  

Application of Heat or Cold

• A hot shower or a soak in a hot tub can help to dull sensations of pain. The partner or a loved one can aid relaxation by applying a hot or cold pad on tense areas of the body. A heated blanket may also be beneficial. A cool cloth to wipe the face, neck and other parts of the body can also be refreshing and energizing.