Natural Pain Relief During Labor: How to Cope Without Medication

Pain in labor isn’t just physical. It’s emotional, primal, and deeply personal. If you're planning to give birth without medication, or simply want tools before you decide, this post walks you through real, evidence-informed methods of natural pain relief during labor. These aren't gimmicks. They're based on how your body actually works.

Why Natural Pain Relief During Labor Matters

Whether you're birthing at home, in a birth center, or in a hospital, natural pain relief techniques can:

• Help you stay grounded and calm

• Delay or reduce the need for medical interventions

• Increase your sense of control and trust in your body

• Support the hormonal flow of labor

Even if you end up choosing medication, these techniques are still incredibly useful—especially in early or active labor.

1. Gate Control Theory (Yes, It’s a Real Thing)

The Gate Control Theory of Pain says that your brain can only process so much sensory input at once. By flooding your body with other sensations, you can “close the gate” to pain signals traveling up the spinal cord.

Think of it like this: you stub your toe and instantly rub it. That competing sensation helps block the pain. Labor works similarly.

Some ways to activate Gate Control:

• Birth comb: Squeezing a comb in your hand stimulates nerve endings in your palm and helps distract from contractions.

• TENS unit: A small device placed on your lower back that delivers electrical pulses, offering relief through competing stimulation.

• Firm touch or counterpressure: Pressing on your hips or lower back (especially during back labor) sends signals that "close the gate" to pain.

  
  

2. Birth Comb: Small But Mighty

It sounds strange, but a simple birth comb, yes, the kind you find in a bathroom, can be a surprisingly effective tool.

How it works: Squeezing the comb activates acupressure points in your hand and engages sensory nerves that help override pain signals.

Why it helps: It’s a physical outlet for tension, and it’s always available. Many laboring people find it reassuring to have something to hold onto.

Pro tip: Try different combs during pregnancy so you know what texture feels supportive (and not annoying).

3. Counterpressure: Your Birth Partner’s Superpower

If you're experiencing intense back labor or sacral pressure, counterpressure can be a game-changer.

What to do: Have your birth partner or doula press firmly on your lower back or hips during contractions. They can use their fists, palms, or even a tennis ball.

Why it works: Counterpressure helps balance internal and external sensation, relieves tension in the sacrum, and communicates presence and support.

This is one of the most-requested comfort techniques for a reason.

4. Hydrotherapy: Water as Medicine

Laboring in water, whether a shower or a birth tub, is one of the most effective natural pain relief options.

• Warm water can ease muscle tension

• Buoyancy can reduce the feeling of gravity pulling on your belly

• Movement in water often feels more intuitive and less restricted

Showers with hot water directed at your lower back can feel incredible during contractions. Birth tubs offer a deeper sense of privacy, calm, and relief.

It’s not just soothing, it’s physiological.

5. TENS Unit: Tiny Tool, Big Relief

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) units are small, battery-operated devices that deliver mild electrical impulses through pads placed on your lower back.

How it works: The electrical pulses interfere with pain signals sent to the brain and trigger the release of endorphins, your body’s natural painkillers.

Why people love it:

• It’s non-invasive and drug-free

• You control the intensity

• It’s especially helpful in early and active labor

Note: Some hospitals don’t allow TENS use in water, so plan to remove it before hydrotherapy.

Putting It All Together

The most effective approach to natural pain relief during labor often involves combining tools:

• Birth comb in one hand

• TENS unit on your back

• Warm shower running

• Partner offering hip squeezes

Each tool alone is helpful. Together, they create a net of comfort, control, and calm.

You Don’t Have to Choose Pain to Choose Power

Unmedicated birth isn’t about being tough or proving something. It’s about feeling supported, prepared, and in tune with your body.

Whether you use one of these tools or all of them, you deserve a labor experience that honors your strength and your humanity.

Want support prepping for a natural hospital birth? Explore my course here, or reach out for 1:1 coaching support.

You don’t have to do it alone, and you don’t have to suffer to be strong.