Childbirth is an automatic, natural process.

Our body simply begins to give birth at the right moment and knows how to do it. In most cases, no one needs to help it, and no one needs to advise the woman. It's like digestion or breathing; we can't rush it, nor can we actively assist it. What we can do, and often do today, is slow down or hinder our childbirth due to the significant fear and stress we experience. In fact, we can stop it at any moment.

When? Whenever we don’t feel well. Human birth is a very intimate process, during which a woman must feel good and safe.

When a woman does not feel well, is ashamed, or is scared, her body triggers a stress response that has prepared us since ancient times for flight or fight.

This means that blood and oxygen are supplied primarily to those parts of the body needed to escape an unpleasant situation.

The uterus is unnecessary in this case, so it becomes deprived of blood. And that’s when the contractions start to hurt. The entire body becomes tense, and the birth canal, which is normally soft and relaxed, tightens up.

A painless birth is definitely not just for the chosen ones. It is a matter of good preparation, especially psychological preparation. Pain anywhere in the body has always been, is, and will be a manifestation of the stress we experience. And that is very good news because stress can be managed.

What can you do? The best thing is to stay calm. Good preparation will pay off in every case. We fear the unknown the most. Childbirth is a rare event in the lives of today’s women, an experience that happens once or twice in a lifetime. Do not be afraid to be active during pregnancy and to “do nothing” during childbirth.

Seek information, be curious, and ask questions about everything. Ideally, you should reach a state where, at the moment your labor begins and you feel the first contractions, you will be calm and relaxed. Because you will know exactly what to expect, where you will go, who will be there, and what will happen. And during the actual birth, do what feels pleasant and nice to you. Don’t hesitate to ask for anything that makes you feel good, or to refuse anything or anyone that does not.

And pain? Don’t focus on it, but don’t deny it either. And if it comes anyway, try to perceive what is happening. What bothers you, what is uncomfortable? What are you dealing with? What can you change in the situation?

Pain can go away again; you just need to return to your calmness and trust. And let your body do what it really knows how to do, which is to give birth to the baby.

How to make childbirth easier? Preparation is key. This can include a quality prenatal course, pregnancy yoga for some, or hypnobirthing techniques. Various types of massage, which increase tissue elasticity and relieve potential pain, are also very effective. We also recommend using tools for easier childbirth and practicing newborn expulsion.

Not only is exercising with them easier, but it is also much more effective, requiring just a few minutes a day. Tools for easier childbirth can help you avoid the risk of episiotomy or tearing.

As a dietary supplement, you can try raspberry, blackberry, and strawberry leaf tea, which affects the activity of smooth muscle and can shorten labor. Flaxseed is said to have similar properties, helping to shorten labor (must be crushed!). Minerals—magnesium, potassium, and sodium—are also beneficial during pregnancy and childbirth, excellent for pain relief and preventing total exhaustion during labor.

Natural ways to relieve labor pains:The experience of pain during labor varies among individual mothers. The woman’s attitude towards the birthing process and her current mental state always play an important role. Is a painless birth even possible?

Women have been giving birth for thousands of years without epidural anesthesia, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t tried to relieve their pain in other ways. Familiarize yourself with natural methods for alleviating labor pain.

Water – water is a popular relaxing medium. Whether it’s a bath or a shower, water reduces the intensity of pain. If you decide to give birth in a bath, you must have access to a birthing pool, which is not common in Czech hospitals. Labor can be accelerated by immersing yourself in the birthing pool at the right time when the water is at 37°C, allowing your body to relax. You may be drawn to giving birth in water, but when the actual labor begins, that may change. Listen to your body and be prepared for the fact that not everything you write in your birth plan or wish for before labor will be suitable or what you want to realize.

Massage – back, foot, and area below the knees can help with massage. This can be performed by a partner or a doula. In the case of back pain, several things can be done to alleviate discomfort. Choosing the right position is crucial. Avoid lying flat on your back, which is often not comfortable for the woman and also disadvantageous for the baby (by the way, it takes away up to 30% of the space in the birth canal). Try positions on all fours, on your side, leaning forward against the bed, squatting, or kneeling… Try to switch them up as well. It’s important to have your knees spread wide apart; this opens the pelvis, allowing the baby to enter the birth canal more easily. Then there’s the mentioned massage. It is performed in circular motions around the lower back. It’s important to tell your partner how hard to massage so that it feels comfortable for you. Some women prefer massage during contractions, while others prefer it outside of them. The intensity can also vary.

Breathing and relaxation – breathing techniques and relaxation are proven methods not just for back pain. The goal is to create a state of maximum relaxation because pain is caused by tensing a particular area. We recommend trying a slow, long inhale during contractions and then a slow, long exhale. The longer, the better. If you focus on your breathing, you won’t feel the pain. Do everything that helps you relax. Many women find visualization helpful during labor. Try to imagine something pleasant, like cool ocean waves. You can perceive the contraction itself as a wave that rises, peaks, and then falls. Imagine yourself as a dolphin jumping through the waves. It may sound fairy-tale-like, but visualizations can truly help.

Acupressure – the traditional Chinese method of acupressure points works during labor as well. Points on the legs are pressed, which support contractions and can trigger labor. So if you are “post-term,” try acupressure first.

Aromatherapy – aromatherapy can also be helpful. Rose petals and sage support the opening of the birth canal, while lavender and chamomile have a calming effect.

Homeopathy – medications to be used during labor and later to support healing during the postpartum period. There are also homeopathic remedies that help with anxiety or fear of childbirth, as well as those suitable for the partner. Try consulting a homeopath or reading about it in online forums.

Environment – childbirth is a very intimate matter, so the environment should be adjusted as well. Dimmed lights help relaxation and introspection. Favorite music can also help. The better and safer you feel, the calmer you will be, which will naturally release the love hormone instead of adrenaline, which is an enemy of childbirth.