Pain Management for Childbirth, Volume 1: Comfort Techniques

This first program in a two-volume set covers “natural comfort techniques” that women can use to manage pain during childbirth—either solely or in combination with pain-relieving medication. A female narrator and a childbirth educator/doula offer specific suggestions—for creating a soothing physical environment, lying or leaning in various physical positions, and performing deep breathing relaxation exercises—while also covering massage and hydrotherapy. Doula Laurel Wilson explains what causes pain during labor (illustrated with cutaway animation), suggests how to prepare for the discomfort, and discusses relevant common myths. Couples are interviewed both before and after un-medicated births, and labor room footage captures how they used various comfort techniques. Wilson explains that during the birth process, “pain” is “Purposeful, Anticipated, Intermittent, and Normal,” and understanding that the situation isn't a sign of injury or disease can be comforting in itself. The program also includes numerous tips for birth partners. DVD extras include a bonus segment focusing more specifically on one of the featured couples. Also newly available is the second volume in the series: Analgesics & Epidurals. Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (M. Puffer-Rothenberg)