When an epidural is not an option
In Japan, many hospitals don't offer epidurals at all.
First, I'll just say that on a humanitarian level, I think this this is in-humane. For a first world country, with excellent health care, the choice for hospitals to not offer pain relief in birth is a direct medical attack on women.
But, what I'd like to share here is that if you are giving birth in a place where epidural is not an option, then you need to prepare.
Prepare your body, mind and prepare by knowing what is going on in birth.
It's unrealistic to think you can give birth without preparing. There is no nicer way to say it. If you don't prepare, you're walking into a situation in which you could potentially suffer, which is different than being in pain.
Pain does not equal suffering. We can be in pain, and even enjoy it a little, right? We can be in pain, and stay with with it, right? We can be in pain and let it fuel our capacity to endure, right? But we can also be in pain, and be suffering, and this is what we want to avoid.
The good news is, there are many practical ways to build your capacity for intensity.
Mindfulness, strength and endurance training, embodiment work, having knowledge as power (so not feeling confused about what is happening). All of these things are great ways to build your capacity for birth and there are so many great resources available online to support you.
Here are a few resources we offer to help you prepare:
Power to Push: Our workshop to understanding how to protect your pelvic floor and stamina during birth.
Embodiment coaching: Helping you work through your fears and hesitations around birth. Fear is a large part of pain in birth.
Prenatal Pilates: Building strength and stamina during pregnancy. We practice being in uncomfortable situations (like holding difficult positions) and breathing through them.