Visualisations use mental images and the power of suggestion (similar to hypnosis), to help women 'see' themselves in labour, together with possible techniques, to assist them to lay down some realistic and positive images for coping with labour pain. Visualisations can be powerful if they are positive, or debilitating if full of fear and anxiety about the pain.
When a scene is familiar, it is usually easier to walk into and 'accept the scene'. Visualisations are about creating a scene as a dress rehearsal to the labour. The technique involves mentally 'practising' the labour and bringing in all the practical tools to assist you during the process. Bear in mind that it is only a dress rehearsal and on the 'opening day or night' the labour may not go exactly to plan. However, hopefully you have laid down a foundation, from which to work from, which can be positive within itself.
Be flexible and open, willing to use (and reuse) the many support tools available to you for the pain during the journey of labour and the birth of your baby.
Visualisation as a pain relief method is best reserved to rehearse in the last 1-2 weeks of the pregnancy. The visualisation should be designed with elements such as seeing yourself in labour, welcoming (and not resisting) each contraction with your breath, using heat packs (or cold packs), seeing yourself in different positions, and allowing the love and support of your partner or support person to nurture you. You can create many scenes and change them frequently. They may change again during the labour.
You may wish to read more about creating your own
labour visualisation.
Things to consider - visualisation
If you wish to consider using visualisation to help with your labour may like to consider that: