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A Fresh Approach to Pain in Labour

Abstract:

Pain is never the sole creation of our anatomy and physiology. It emerges only at the intersection of bodies, minds and cultures (Morris, 1991-1). Being with women in pain is one of the few experiences that all midwives share. Working with our own discomfort at being with women in pain and not offering to dull or take it away is understood by midwives the world over. However, we live in a society that sees the relief of pain as a major benefit of modern living. Many people see the role of the midwife as someone who is trained to produce what I call 'the menu' of what is on offer in order to facilitate informed choice for women. Any midwife who does not subscribe to this approach is swimming against the tide and is at risk of being called 'cruel'. I wanted to develop a clear rationale to respond to accusations such as: "Why should women suffer pain in childbirth in the 1990s?" and "Why on earth would you not offer pain relief?"

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being with women, pain of childbirth, pain relief during labour