The main thing to remember is that being in the comfort of your own home will decrease the pain, fear and tension that you experience in labour, so you will be less likely to need medications to help you with the pain. The Hamilton Midwives is pleased to offer their home birthing clients the use of Alnox – a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen also known as Laughing Gas for pain relief in labour. If you find that you need or want other pain medicines, we will go to the hospital and you can have them. Preparation and realistic expectations are invaluable for clients planning a natural birth. Most expectant parents find labour to be both physically and emotionally challenging. It is one of the most powerful and intense times in a person's life. Midwives offer lots of support like massage, counter pressure and continuous presence to help you through the challenge of labour. We also offer suggestions on how your support person can help you feel more relaxed and comfortable. The main thing to remember is that being in the comfort of your own home will decrease the pain, fear and tension that you experience in labour, so you will be less likely to need medications to help you manage the pain. Taking prenatal classes to know what is happening in your body, what to expect, ways to cope and ways to help your body get on with its work is very useful indeed