Pain Relief Options in Labour: What They Don’t Tell You By Donna, Antenatal Classes Auckland

Labour is intense — no surprise there — but when you ask about pain relief options in labour, most people rattle off a short list: gas, pethidine, epidural. What’s often missing? A real breakdown of all the options — the ones with side effects, the ones without, and the ones that actually help you feel more in control.

One of the most accessible, evidence-based and underused tools in this mix? Hypnobirthing. It’s not woo-woo, it’s not only for “natural” birth, and yes — it can help with every kind of birth. We’ll get to that.

At Soul Sisters Antenatal Classes Auckland, we believe the more you know, the better you’ll feel walking into birth. So here’s a real-talk breakdown of the pain relief options they don’t always tell you about — plus the honest truth about what works (and what doesn’t).

1. Pain Relief Options Come in 3 Main Categories...

Think of pain relief as a toolbox — you’re not stuck with just one & you may switch from one to another as your labour progresses.

• Natural techniques: hypnobirthing, breathing, movement, acupressure, warm water, massage, mindfulness

• Medical options: paracetamol, gas & air, opioids (pethidine/morphine), epidural

• Support tools: TENS machine, birth partner strategies, environment changes (music, lighting)

At our Antenatal Classes in Ponsonby, Birkenehad, Point Chevalier & Silverdale, we show you how to build a birth toolbox so you're ready no matter how your labour unfolds.

2. Let’s Talk Hypnobirthing: What It Really Is

Hypnobirthing is one of the most misunderstood — but powerful — tools you can use during labour.

It’s not hypnosis like in the movies. It’s a science-backed method that uses deep relaxation, visualisation, affirmations, and breathwork to reduce fear, tension, and ultimately pain. Hypnobirthing has been proven to...

Reduce PAIN

Reduce ANXIETY

Reduce FEAR

Reduce INTERVENTIONS

90% of women who used Hypnobirhting for their birth felt completely comfortable or manageable during labour & contractions!!!

🎓 The science behind it:

• Fear in labour = more adrenaline = more tension = more pain (This is known as the Fear–Tension–Pain Cycle)

• Hypnobirthing flips this. It helps keep your body calm, your nervous system regulated, and your muscles relaxed so birth hormones (like oxytocin and endorphins) can do their job.

• Studies show that hypnobirthing can:

  • Reduce the need for pain relief medications

  • Lower anxiety and stress during labour

  • Decrease intervention rates (like inductions or C-sections)

Even the Royal College of Midwives in the UK now formally recognises hypnobirthing as a helpful tool in maternity care. My work is accredited by the Royal College of Midwives so you are in the safest hands.

Why I Recommend It

Here’s the thing: I’ve worked with hundreds of women through my Antenatal Classes & hypnobirthing courses in Auckland. And I can tell you from experience — it works.

• It's accessible for everyone — no hospital approval, no side effects.

• It works in every kind of birth — natural, epidural, induction, C-section.

• It helps you feel more confident and calm, which can make labour feel shorter and less overwhelming.

Is it a magic wand? No. But the way i teach it, the Dona Cox method ....it gives you a toolkit for the moments where fear creeps in and pain spikes. For many women, it’s the difference between feeling out of control vs. feeling in charge.

3. A Balanced Look at Medical Pain Relief

Let’s break down the more commonly known options — what works, and what to keep in mind:

Option	Pros	Cons
Gas & Air (Entonox)	Fast, self-administered	Can cause nausea or dizziness, makes your lips & throat dry
Pethidine or Morphine	Can help with rest in early labour	May make you or baby drowsy because of this it can effect baby when born
Epidural	Very effective pain relief	Can slow labour, limit movement, Increased chances of using other interventions like forceps & Vacuum & possible long term side effects for mum.
Paracetamol	Safe, mild	Often not strong enough in active labour

These options all have a place — but knowing when and how to use them makes the difference. In our Antenatal Classes Auckland, will break it down further for you so you feel confident in your choices of pain management. We teach how to use these tools alongside natural methods for layered support.

4. Natural Doesn’t Mean Less Effective

Some people assume if you’re not taking drugs, you’re just "toughing it out." That couldn’t be further from the truth.

Natural pain relief strategies can be incredibly effective when used well:

• Water immersion (birth pool or shower) can ease intensity and create calm

• Movement and upright positions help your baby descend and reduce back pressure

• TENS machines help distract the brain and block pain signals

• Breathing techniques, especially hypnobirthing styles, help regulate your nervous system

• Massage, acupressure, and heat packs are amazing for back labour

And the best part? No side effects.

5. The Power of Preparation

The most powerful pain relief tool of all? Feeling prepared.When you understand how birth works and have practiced techniques like hypnobirthing before labour begins, you’re more likely to:

• Stay calm and focused during contractions

• Cope better with pain without panicking

• Feel like an active participant in your birth, not a passenger

This is what our clients rave about after taking our Antenatal Classes in Birkenhead and Ponsonby, Point Chevalier & Silverdale — it’s not just information, it’s transformation.

Final Thoughts from Me...

Pain in labour is real — but so is your power. You deserve to know every option, including the ones that won’t leave you foggy, dizzy, or stuck in bed.

Hypnobirthing is my personal favourite tool because it’s safe, science-backed, and works in every birth scenario. It’s not a fringe thing anymore — it’s your secret weapon for a calmer, more confident birth.

Want to learn how to use hypnobirthing and explore all your pain relief options with expert support? Join me in one of my Soul Sisters Antenatal Classes Auckland — in Ponsonby, Silverdale, or Birkenhead.Let’s get ready for birth and baby — together. 💛

Donna x

Antenatal Classes Auckland

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❓FAQ: Pain Relief Options in Labour

Q: Is hypnobirthing just for home births or natural births?A: Nope! It’s for every birth. Whether you're at hospital, having an epidural, or a C-section — hypnobirthing helps manage fear and stay calm.

Q: Can I use hypnobirthing and an epidural?A: Absolutely. Hypnobirthing doesn’t replace medical pain relief — it works alongside it. Many people use it right up until they choose an epidural or morphine.

Q: Does hypnobirthing actually work?A: Yes. Studies and birth stories show that hypnobirthing can reduce anxiety, lower the need for interventions, and help women feel more in control during labour.