Natural Pain Relief Options for Labor & Delivery

Question
Hi, I am due for delivery in just a few days and am really unsure still about this issue. I have 2 children already, and had both without any kind of pain relief, I have come to realize that I just do not want that again. I am against an epidural, just because the idea of a needle going into my back is not something I am willing to deal  with, so I am trying to find out about some of the other options. I know that any kind of drugs during delivery have an effect on the baby in some way, what I am trying to find out is, what has the least amount of effect on the baby, but still will work to numb me out some? It has been 7 years since my last child was born and I know that research has come up about a number of things since then. Unfortunately, I am in between DRs at the moment and wont see my new one till 2 days before my due date, I am hoping to find out as much as I can, just in case I go into labor before then, so I at least can ask for what I want. I appreciate you taking the time to read and reply to my email and hope that I didnt confuse you too badly. Looking forward to hearing from you.  

Answer
Hello Tawni. There is nothing magic or safe in the world of pain relief during childbirth. ANYTHING you put into your body WILL affect the baby. My dear, you have done this twice before and you can do it again. This baby deserves the same great start that the others had. Your BEST pain relievers are relaxation, submersion in a warm bath, sitting in a warm shower, change of position every 30-40 minutes, and GREAT support and encouragement. If your husband was not able to give you that- invest in a DOULA- a woman trained to support women in labor along with their partners. Hope that helps- Cheri.