Examples include firm sacral pressure; effleurage; shoulder, back and foot
massage48
• Significantly reduces intrapartum pain9,49
• Women in the first stage report less anxiety with massage49
• No effect found in49:
o Duration of labour
o Satisfaction with birth experience
o Maternal or newborn outcomes9
• Support person should ideally be instructed in massage
• Refer to Guideline: Perineal care47 for perineal massage considerations