Every labour experience is unique—and so is your perception of pain. At Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS), our Labour and Delivery team offer a variety of medical and non-medical pain relief options to support your comfort while in our care and when you are discharged home.
Water Therapy
Both warm and cool water can help relieve pain during all stages of labour. Whether in hospital or at home, options like a hot or cold bath, shower, or compress can offer comfort—especially in early labour. Each of the labour rooms at BCHS have a private shower. There is also one immersion tub on the ward (different than a birthing tub used for delivery) available to those who wish to use it. Access to the tub may depend on the need to monitor your baby, so please discuss with your healthcare team.
Movement and Repositioning
Changing positions during each stage of labour can help provide some pain relief and is often encouraged to help progress the labour process. This may include walking, standing, or using aids to modify your position in bed. We offer latex-free birthing balls and peanut positioning balls to modify positions to give the greatest relief to our patients. The birthing ball is used for positioning while you are mobile, while the peanut ball is used to position you while in bed. Both types of balls are used to support your comfort.
Massage
Massage can be a highly effective form of pain relief for many people during labour. Attending prenatal classes are a great opportunity to learn and practice massage techniques ahead of time. It’s also a great way for partners or support people to be actively involved in the process. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) machines are not available at BCHS; however, you are welcome to bring your own if approved by your care team. TENS machines provide short-term pain relief by sending small electrical pulses through the skin to the nervous system, reducing the body’s ability to transmit pain signals to the brain.
Narcotic Pain Relief
Narcotics are a type of pain medication that can be given during labour to help manage discomfort. These medications are administered by a nurse, either through an intravenous or as a muscle injection. They are generally considered safe for both mom and baby when used at specific times and doses. Possible side effects include drowsiness in both the mom and baby. Monitoring is provided to watch for any side effects that may occur. The relief provided by narcotics is time limited and may require re-administration. The decision to use narcotics during labour is decided by the patient, based on their needs and wishes for pain relief. Any person who does not wish to receive narcotics can communicate this to their healthcare provider.
Epidural
An epidural is a common and effective option for pain relief during labour and can be requested at any time—from early labour to full dilation. An anesthesiologist will assess if it’s safe to proceed and review the risks and benefits with you prior to proceeding. You must be able to sit or lie still during the procedure for it to be performed safely. Our dedicated anesthesia team is available 24/7. An epidural offers ongoing pain relief throughout labour. Both epidurals and narcotics have benefits and potential risks. We encourage you to talk with your obstetrical care provider about what option best fits your birth plan and personal comfort.
Other Comfort Techniques
Consider non-medical strategies to support relaxation:
- Focused breathing
- Music or calming sounds
- Guided relaxation or visualization
Not every option is right for every person. Prior to arriving at the hospital, we encourage you to speak with your healthcare practitioner about what pain relief options are available to you, and what suits your desired birth experience. It is possible that some options will not be available to you based on your personal health situation. Plus, what works for one person may not be the right option for you.
