when you have a home birth is it only gas and air you can have for pain relief?

Answer 1

Gas is not used in America so you may get some weird answers. I believe it is, but pain relief isn't necessary when giving birth. Pain is merely the body's way of telling you that something is ill or injured, since neither one of these things is happening during labor, pain isn't there. There is the menstrual cramp-like feeling and an intense feeling like the need to pass a bowel movement. Other muscles in the abdomen and back may cramp but we have all had muscle cramps, they can suck but we don't usually have as much intervention for those as we do for labor. The biggest cause of pain is fear, if you stay focused on doing what the baby needs you to and relaxing through the contractions (like the difference between tightening muscles and running during rain but relaxing and letting yourself get wet during a shower) you won't need anything. Just remember not to fight the contractions (like trying not to get wet in the rain), relax and let the contraction do the work (like letting yourself get wet in the shower) and labor can be wonderful.

Answer 2

Well I'm having a home birth in a couple fo weeks. And it's certainly not because I want a natural birth! i'd be drugged up to the eyeballs if the local health authoritys had the right stuff.

basically, my options were home, a birthing center, or a hospital. now, the hospital doesn't offer epidurals at all. That'd be the reason I'd wanna be in a hospital!! lol. And what I can get at the birthing center is exactly the same as at home. I'd rather be at home and be comfortable.

However, my midwife just gave me a list of stuff to ask my GP for, for the impending home birth.

They are:

Meptid 150mg and Metadopramide 10mg.

I have no idea what they are though, but I trust my midwife. Both are injections i believe.

(EDIT: I live in Cumbria, UK)

Answer 3

Yes, it is. The midwives will bring gas and air with them. You can't have pethidine as it has to be prescribed by a doctor. You can also use a TENS machine.
The midwives will leave some drugs at your home in advance, as someone else mentioned, but these are not pain relief drugs - they are to stop bleeding in case you bleed excessively and to aid the delivery of the placenta.

My home birth was absolutely fantastic by the way and an amazing experience. Hope it goes well for you.

Answer 4

What you need most for pain relief is a good childbirth method that has been proven to work. Over 90% of the people who use the Bradley method do not need pain relief. I have used it four times and it really works.
Normally for home birth they do not give any medication for pain relief. The midwife can do stitches afterwards and give local pain relief for that.

Answer 5

I agree with cathc - all i was offered was gas and air, and was advised to buy my own birthing pool. I chickened out in the end and opted for a hospital birth ( i was overdue, due to be induced and i also have a VERY low pain threshold!!). Ended up having an epidural after a long painful labour!

PS i live in Oxfordshire x x x

Answer 6

When you have a home birth you can DEFINITELY get something for pain. You should talk to your midwife. Most people have home births because they want to be as natural as possible, but midwives are licensed and able to dispense and deliver medication. You will probably receive it in the form of an injection, but midwives are also able to start IVs and administer medications and fluids that way in case of an emergency. So the best thing to do is to talk to your provider about what it is you're looking for and expecting when you deliver. Good Luck!

Answer 7

in the UK you can have gas and air and water births are quite common at home as the water is relaxing and can ease pain, but your mid wife should have gas and air canisters with her. I've heard though that most only bring 2 canisters and each one lasts 40 Min's so they may need to send to the hospital for more. you cant have any thing else in case complications arise and there is no medical staff to assist.

Answer 8

Styles of Pain Management

Mental Relaxation Techniques
There are various mental relaxation techniques that can be used to promote relaxation during labor. Some techniques aim to focus your thoughts, others to distract you. To be successful at using mental relaxation techniques during labor, you will need to spend several weeks practicing with them.

Physical Comfort Measures
In general, any technique that you use for physical comfort in your day to day life can be used during labor. Hot and cold packs can be useful if you feel cramping or a back ache. Massage can help to refresh sore muscles. Sipping warm tea or cool water can keep you hydrated and energized. Using physical comfort measures successfully during labor doesn't take much practice, however you will need to find a way to remind yourself to use these techniques during labor. It may be beneficial to familiarize yourself with the tools available to you at your birth place.

Position Changes
The way in which your body is positioned during labor can make a difference in the sensations that you feel. Some positions improve your baby's ability to navigate through the pelvis, other positions hinder his efforts. Some positions can help to reduce the pressure associated with a back labor, other positions make it easier to relax your body and rest. A support person can usually help you make position changes without having practiced positions.

Water
Most hospitals and birth centers have both tubs and showers for your use during labor. Many women find that they are better able to relax and can handle their contractions with less discomfort while they lie in a tub of warm water. A shower is equally useful in easing discomfort, and has the added advantage of the pressure of the stream of water that can be positioned to massage you just about anywhere you may need it.

Answer 9

Most home births are med-free. That's the point of a home birth...keeping the experience as natural as possible.

Answer 10

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