Many women will use massage to help soothe, relax and reassure them when feeling labour pain. Massage works by stimulating the skin nerve fibres to divert the sensations of labour pain (called the
gate control theory), usually more effective in the earlier phases of the labour. Massage may also influence how the woman perceives her pain, through feeling nurtured and loved from physical contact.
Women will vary in what they prefer. Some will want continual physical contact, others only want it at various times during different phases of their labour. The massage may be light fingertip touching (called 'effleurage'), moderate stroking or deep pressure (or 'kneading'), or perhaps incorporate applying pressure using acupressure, shiatsu or reflexology. The woman can be in any comfortable position, while her partner or support person massages her shoulders, back, legs or feet. Often the 'touch' will simply consist of holding the woman's hand and giving it a squeeze (or a rub) after the contraction has finished. This in itself can communicate many things such as "I am here for you" and "You are not alone". It can reassure the woman and give her strength to keep going, reinforcing the belief that her partner has faith in her ability to labour and give birth.
Many women like quite firm pressure to their lower back at the
sacrum. This is usually applied by the heel of the partner's or support person's hand, or knuckles. Pressure above, and to either side of, the buttocks can often greatly relieved a tender, aching back. Women are normally quite directive as the labour intensifies and will use instructions like "higher, lower, softer, harder or stop". Some women do not like to be touched at all, or at certain times during their labour, therefore partners and support people need to follow her lead.