I figured since many of us have been through it before, many more than once, it would be good to give pointers on how to lessen the effects of labour.

For me, I hwas blessed with back labour for all three of my kids. I wouldn't wish that on anyone. I found the best thing was intense massage at the base of my back. I'm talking hard enough to leave marks, and hubby's knuckles were sore afterwards.

Showers helped in the early stages, having the spray aimed at my back. Walking was a good way to speed things along, as well as taking pressure off my back.

Does anyone else have any other pointers to help new moms manage through labour? Tried and true ways to help cope with the pain and changes of labour and childbirth.

Good Topic!
With my last child my midwife rubbed my feet during contractions. I would focus on how good my feet felt, and it helped me get through the contractions.

I believe he exercise that I did before really helped me. Additionally I did a lot of walking, and my breathing exercises realy played an important role.

I either walked or rocked through the majority of it. I had a rocking chair as a shower gift and spent all my at home time in it.

I did try a whirlpool at one time but it made my contractions worse. No matter how I positioned myself my breasts were in jets of water, and as you know nipple stimulation can increase contractions. So every time there was a jet of water on them it crippled me.

Oh and screaming. I had no drugs, but I screamed a whole lot! Or so it seemed anyway-my mother in law said I was one of the calmest and quietest labours she had ever experienced and she was an ObGyn nurse.