Mark and I started smooching a lot to keep my mouth really loose. This made the contractions come on really strong. When we are with a birthing woman who is in pain, it may help to tell some good jokes - or even some not so good ones, especially in early labor. Laughter increases the level of endorphins, the body's natural pain relievers and relaxers. It decreases levels of unwelcome stress hormones and relaxes muscles.
Laughter is like an internal massage.
Bring a bit of humor to your birth. R.N. A mother laughs as she births her baby into her own hands. She continues to smile as her baby emerges. A triumphant mother holds her newborn baby.