Non-pharmacological methods in pain relief in childbirth: women´s perception after childbirth

OBJECTIVE: to assess mothers’ postpartum perception of the use of non-pharmacological methods of pain relief. METHOD: Cross-sectional, descriptive study. The survey was conducted with 11 postpartum women in a maternity hospital in the city of Campina Grande, state of Paraíba, Brazil. RESULTS: The results show that non-pharmacological methods used by women in labor were ongoing support (73%), massage (36%), breathing exercises (55%), relaxation exercise (27%) and shower (36%). Interviewees reported that the use of non-pharmacological methods was a positive experience, with decrease inthe time of labor, a feeling of well -being, and pain relief. The partner was seen as the most important in minimizing loneliness during labor. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the methods used in this maternity hospital had positive effects on the experience of labor and birth.