What can I do to prepare for the pain of childbirth?

Also, find out what your doctor's philosophy is on Cesarean sections and epidurals versus drug-free ways of managing pain. Ask tough questions—and "stupid" ones, too— to learn about the different stages of labor so you know what to expect. read more

Starting today, here are 10 things you can do to make your birth experience that much easier. 1. Join the head of the class. Take a childbirth course and enroll as early as possible: Not only do classes fill up fast, but some, such as The Bradley Method courses, run 12 weeks, which means you need to start them in your second trimester. read more

Learning all you can about labor and delivery is one of the best ways to help you manage the pain of childbirth when the time comes. Pain During Labor and Delivery. Pain during labor is caused by contractions of the muscles of the uterus and by pressure on the cervix. read more

The pain was really bad, but I'm not afraid to go through labor again. Karen, Shelby Township, MI. Epidural-Free Delivery. Some moms went with unmedicated childbirth and managed their pain in other ways. I have three kids and each experience was different, as it is from woman to woman. I've had IV drugs, an epidural, and nothing. read more