![Lead researcher Dr Julie Fleet with the spray.](/web/20160317020519im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/g/m/a/w/a/j/image.related.landscape.380x253.gmavf1.png/1453347971078.jpg)
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![Decisions about an epidural should be made by the labouring woman.](/web/20160317020519im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/3/j/y/m/i/image.related.landscape.300x200.11jhwe.png/1415563950700.jpg)
When to ask for an epidural
When to start epidural pain relief during labour and delivery should be up to the mother, researchers say.
![Research says that listening to music throughout pregnancy and labour can have big benefits.](/web/20160317020519im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/3/a/c/z/0/image.related.landscape.300x200.3acwh.png/1403056898617.jpg)
How music can help when you're in labour
Research has shown that listening to music during birth can help reduce pain and decrease anxiety. Mums share their advice on the music that helped them in labour.
![Childbirth and labour pain](/web/20160317020519im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/3/7/s/u/k/image.related.landscape.300x200.37su6.png/1403746538090.jpg)
Does swearing during labour help reduce pain?
During my child's birth I had cursed like a sailor. It wasn't just the odd F-Bomb - it was more like an F-Annihilation.
![baby](/web/20160317020519im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/3/5/m/x/a/image.related.landscape.300x200.35mws.png/1395965183820.jpg)
New drug to replace pethidine as birth pain relief
The use of pethidine to relieve pain during birth may be on its way out as a small but growing number of doctors recommend a more powerful opiate that appears safer for babies.
![pregnant](/web/20160317020519im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/3/2/i/p/8/image.related.landscape.300x200.32u3h.png/1392595565527.jpg)
Pain free labour: fact or fiction?
It’s a question that runs through the mind of every first time mum-to-be – how will I know when I’m in labour? And if you actually ask the question, you’ll usually get the same reply: “Oh, trust me, you’ll know”.
![Kate_320](/web/20160317020519im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/2/k/6/7/h/image.related.landscape.300x200.2n5xh.png/1371450952617.jpg)
HypnoBirthing isn't a hippie thing ... just ask Kate
Word is that Kate Middleton is considering HypnoBirthing when she delivers the new heir to the throne.
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