Dealing with back pain
Back pain is more common in posterior labours (as opposed to pain at the front for an anterior labour). The back pain will usually encourage the woman to lean forward in her labour (as this often helps to relieve it). Lying on your back can be excruciatingly painful with a posterior labour.
Using heat packs on the lower back, with plenty of pressured massage where the woman's backbone meets her sacrum (if she likes the feeling). Acupressure points here can also be helpful. Some partners (or support people) will use hand-held massage implements, (possibly with rolling balls if you prefer). Occasionally, the woman will find that deep-heat sports rub on their back brings relief. (Be aware that if you don't particularly like this, it will take a while to wear off).
Dealing with the labour you have
Regardless of the position of your baby, try to deal with the labour you have, rather than the one you would prefer. There is some merit in not being concerned about which way the baby is lying. (They still need to come out anyway!), and a posterior position alone should not be the reason for any particular medical intervention, especially in the 1
st stage of labour.
You need to get through a 'back' labour as much as a 'front' labour, it is just an individual difference. If the labour is long, and the baby is taking a while to turn, this is part of your challenge. Other women will be faced with other challenges for different reasons. Your body is designed to give birth. Have faith in this.
Pain Relief
If the labour is prolonged, and the woman is tiring, then you may wish to consider some medical forms of pain relief. Sometimes an
epidural becomes the answer, and allows the woman to rest, and have a break from her back pain.
Be aware that epidurals can relax the woman's pelvic floor muscle and discourage her baby from turning to an anterior position.