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Humid heat, as in a hot compress or hot-pack, has the fantastic property to ease pain. It’s simple, easy, cheap and works for most women.

All you need is a big bowl of very hot water and thick pieces of linen. Dunk one of them into the water , wring it and lay it where it hurts: either the belly bottom, the lower back or even the vulva on later labor stages.

It requires some coordination, as when a contraction starts, the old compress is removed and replaced by a new one, hot, soothing and calming. Pain won’t disappear, but will ease down, and eventually become more tolerable.

After some time, hot-packs will lose their effect. It’s time to stop then and maybe use them later again.