Pain is one of the biggest concerns when it comes to giving birth, but with education and knowledge, it can be reduced and managed without stress.
Labor is a painful experience. The contraction of the muscles and the pressure on the cervix and the vagina force the limits of the woman’s body and produce intense pain. The Bonapace method is a new technique that seeks to reduce this pain by natural means.
The Bonapace method was created in Quebec, Canada, by Julie Bonapace, an expert in pain therapies. This method consists of an educational process to learn how to manage pain reduction techniques during childbirth without the need for pharmacological aids or medical interventions.
According to studies conducted by Dr. Bonapace with the University of Quebec, the Bonapace method reduces by 45% the intensity of pain and discomfort in giving birth.
The 3 mechanisms of the Bonapace method
A Bonapace method is a form of childbirth preparation that seeks to reduce pain without medical or pharmacological intervention.
The Bonapace method consists of 3 main parts:
1. Control of the central nervous system, which includes breathing, relaxation and diversion of attention to modulate pain.
2. Theory of the control door, which consists of light massages in the pain area to block the nerve signals in the spine.
3. Control to inhibit pain, which seeks to produce light pains in other areas of the body to blur the pain of labor. When the brain seeks the origin of the new pain, it releases endorphins throughout the body except in the area of new pain. Endorphins relieve the pain produced by childbirth.
The woman’s pain is evaluated every 15 minutes during delivery to know what technique should be applied.
Partner education
In the Bonapace method, the training and participation of the father are fundamental, since it helps the mother to control the breathing and is in charge of giving the massages and applying the pressure to cause pain through the pressure on the back of the hands and hands. feet.
To learn how to use Bonapace method techniques, the mother and father begin to study and train after 6 months of pregnancy. The courses consist of 8 hours of teaching the Bonapace method and 8 hours of information on traditional methods of delivery, pregnancy and the process of giving birth.
The 10 tips to overcome pain through the Bonapace method
Education
An important part of the method is information since it allows knowing the appropriate way to give birth in each case.
The more knowledge there is about pregnancy and childbirth, the easier it is to manage the pain. Dr. Bonapace recommends learning to use different techniques, as needs can change when giving birth.
Have the support of your partner or a close person
Studies show that women who have a trusted person at their side experience less pain and need less pharmacological aids or medical interventions than women who are alone at delivery.
The preparation of that person is fundamental since it will be the mother’s support during the process. In addition, having someone who knows what to do in each moment helps build trust and reduce stress.
Staying active during childbirth
The pain helps to adjust the body and facilitate the passage of the baby through the pelvis. When that pain is eliminated with painkillers or anesthetics, the sensation and physical communication between the baby and the mother is lost.
Use mantras
In preparation, relaxation and meditation techniques are the basis for controlling pain during labor.
Mantras help relaxation and concentration. Especially the “Ohm” helps breathing and opening the diaphragm, which creates space in the pelvis for the baby’s accommodation.
Massages: an essential in the Bonapace method
When a stimulating sensation is created in the pain area, the pain signals that are transmitted to the brain are blocked. The massages in the back, the thighs, and the legs help to relax the whole body.
Use water
Water at the right temperature helps relax the muscles. The effect of water on the body blocks the pain signals sent to the brain. Water baths are recommended during all stages of pregnancy and even during delivery.
Use ice
Ice diverts pain from the nervous system, stimulating the release of endorphins.
When contractions begin, you can put your hands or feet in a container with ice and water. The “minor pain” produced by the ice will help release endorphins that will act as an analgesic. The pain of the contractions will diminish immediately.
Apply acupuncture according to the Bonapace method
The soothing effects of acupuncture have been proven by several studies. In the Bonapace method, it is used when the pain is more frequent and more intense to create a second point of pain.
Talk to yourself
Thoughts create emotions that affect the body. Inwardly speaking to convey calmness and reassurance that everything is fine will help create sensations of relief and reduce stress.
Emotional freedom technique
This technique combines traditional Chinese medicine and psychology. It consists in the application of acupuncture in specific points while the emotions are expressed and the pains are explained at the time of the birth. By doing this, cortisol that causes stress is reduced.
