3 Ways to Manage Labor at the Birth Center

Many of our clients seek out the comforts of a birth center for a more natural and supportive birth experience. Birth centers are beautiful and the recovery is amazing, but let’s face it – labor can be intense. If you’re considering an out-of-hospital birth, you may wonder how you will manage labor pain effectively in the birth center. The Midwives of NJ have assisted many laboring women navigate the intensity of childbirth. One of the most important parts of our role is to empower women so they can make informed choices and manage pain in ways that support their needs and birth preferences.

Pain during labor is not simply something to endure—it’s an integral part of the birth process, signaling that the body is preparing to bring new life into the world. However, it is also important to note that each person’s pain tolerance and experience of labor are different. That said, our goal is to provide options for pain management that respect the body’s natural rhythms. 

Let’s look at 3 effective ways to manage labor pain at the birth center:

1. Hydrotherapy (Waterbirth or Labor in Water)

Hydrotherapy, laboring or giving birth in water, is a highly effective option for managing labor pain. Many laboring women find that immersion in warm water helps significantly reduce the sensation of pain.

Why Water Helps with Pain Relief

Water helps relax the muscles and can reduce the feeling of gravity, relieving the heaviness that comes with labor. It also offers an element of comfort and privacy. The warmth of the water enhances blood flow, aiding in muscle relaxation and alleviating tension, which is essential for coping with pain during contractions.

Additionally, the buoyancy of water supports your body, allowing you to move more freely and try different positions without the added pressure of gravity. The calming effect of water, combined with the warmth, can create a soothing environment for both mom and baby.

Benefits of Hydrotherapy

• Pain Relief: Immersion in warm water helps soothe the perineum, back, and abdomen, which are often the areas of greatest discomfort during labor. Many people describe the sensation of water as “weightless” and incredibly soothing during contractions.
• Increased Mobility: The buoyancy of water allows for greater movement and flexibility. Many women find that they can shift positions, squat, or kneel with more ease in the water.
• Relaxes the Mind: The water’s soothing effect can create a sense of calm, reducing stress and anxiety.
• Shorter Labors. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Immersion in water during the first stage of labor may be associated with shorter labor and decreased use of spinal and epidural analgesia.

How to Incorporate Hydrotherapy at the Birth Center

The Midwives of New Jersey deliver at 2 birth centers in New Jersey.  Both birth centers offer access to large showers with unlimited hot water and birth pools for laboring and waterbirth. Learn more about waterbirth with the Midwives of NJ.

2. Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide is another valuable tool for managing labor pain while supporting a woman’s autonomy and sense of control during childbirth. Often referred to as “laughing gas,” it is a blend of 50% nitrous oxide and 50% oxygen, delivered through a mask or mouthpiece that the laboring woman self-administers.

One of its greatest advantages is that it allows the woman to control when and how much she inhales. The gas takes effect quickly, offering a reduction in pain perception and anxiety without completely causing a numbing sensation or inhibiting mobility. This makes it an excellent option for those who want pain relief but still want to remain active and engaged in their labor process. Using the mask to inhale and exhale seems to regulate a person’s breathing patterns. Anxiety makes people breathe faster and hyperventilate at times. In order to get adequate “doses” of NO2, the woman needs to inhale deeply and slowly.

Additionally, nitrous oxide is a safe and flexible choice because it does not slow down labor or increase the risk of interventions. While it may not eliminate pain entirely, it can take the edge off contractions and help you feel calmer and more in control.

3. IV Medication with a Sedative

IV pain medications given along with sedative medications can be a valuable option for managing labor pain These medications work by dulling the perception of pain and promoting relaxation, which can be especially beneficial for those experiencing long or exhausting labors. Unlike an epidural, IV medications do not numb the body or restrict movement, allowing women to remain more active while still receiving some relief. They are also relatively quick-acting and can take the edge off contractions, making it easier to rest and conserve energy for later stages of labor.

Another advantage of IV pain medications is their ability to reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calm, which can be particularly helpful if fear or tension is making labor more challenging. We often use these medications strategically, such as during early or active labor when rest is needed.

Labor Pain Doesn’t Have to Be Something to Fear

Pain is an integral part of the labor journey, but it doesn’t have to be something to fear. Whether you’re leaning toward nitrous oxide or exploring waterbirth, understanding these options can empower you during one of life’s most transformative moments. With the right tools and support, you can navigate the waves of labor with confidence and peace.