What You Need to Know About Natural Childbirth

Although the idea of ​​natural childbirth is linked to the home environment, it can also be done in a hospital

natural childbirth

Edited and resized image of Tim Bish is available on Unsplash

Natural childbirth has historically been defined as a way of giving birth without medication and medical intervention. However, all forms of birth are natural, whether in a bathtub at home or in a hospital, through a cesarean. The important thing is that the mother's decision is respected and that the way in which the birth is carried out is the best for both mother and baby.

Without the use of medications, including pain relievers, women resort to relaxation and controlled breathing techniques to help relieve pain. Although the idea of ​​natural childbirth is linked to the home environment, it can also be done in a hospital, with or without the presence of a midwife or doula.

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Why choose natural childbirth

If you think giving birth without medication seems impossible, there are many reasons why some women choose to do so. Pain medication can affect labor, such as speeding up or slowing down. It can also have side effects such as lowering the mother's blood pressure or causing nausea.

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Some women choose to have a natural birth because they want more control over the process, including pain management. There are still those who believe that dispensing medication helps bring the birth experience closer and remember the event more clearly.

What are the risks?

Pain is a factor present in greater or lesser intensity in all women who stop naturally. Even if you've had a baby before, it's not possible to know how severe your pain during childbirth will be or how well you'll be able to handle it.

Regardless of whether you use pain relievers or not, there is a risk of complications such as severe blood loss or umbilical cord problems. These complications can be more difficult to detect or treat without medical intervention.

If you choose to have a painless delivery, other options may remain open, such as an emergency cesarean if medically necessary. Women with low-risk pregnancies are the best candidates for a painless delivery.

When to rethink if natural childbirth is best for you

If you have a high-risk pregnancy, your doctor or doctor may recommend that you not have a natural birth. Your pregnancy may be considered high risk if you:
  • It is over 35 years old;
  • drank alcohol or used drugs during pregnancy;
  • She has had previous surgery in the uterus, such as a cesarean;
  • have a history of medical conditions such as diabetes, pre-eclampsia, or blood clotting problems;
  • Carries more than one fetus;
  • There were complications during pregnancy, such as fetal growth restriction or problems with the placenta.

What to Expect During a Natural Childbirth

You leave your labor spontaneously and progress without medical intervention until you give birth. Your work is not induced or accelerated unless it is clinically necessary.

If you plan to have your baby in a hospital or birth center, your doctor or midwife can help you choose the best time to give birth. Depending on your preferences, you may be monitored constantly, like a fetal heart monitor.

When your body is ready, you will have a vaginal birth in the birth position that is most comfortable for you. You will not have medical intervention unless it is necessary for your or your child's safety or health.

As with all types of childbirth, birth takes a different amount of time for everyone. Without medical intervention, your cervix naturally dilates and you are not given drugs to speed up labor.

On the other hand, medical interventions such as epidurals can also delay labor. And remember that childbirth usually takes longer for first-time mothers too.

The level of labor pain is also different for everyone. There are several common pain relief methods that you can use during childbirth.

Natural Methods to Relieve the Pain of Childbirth

  • Breathing Techniques;
  • Massage;
  • Shower or hot tub. You can also give birth in a bathtub, depending on what the birth center or hospital offers;
  • Find the most comfortable position for you;
  • Distraction techniques such as music or games
  • Heating pad or ice pack
  • birth ball
  • acupressure
  • emotional support

In most cases, you will be able to stay with your baby soon after birth and start breastfeeding if you wish. To prepare for a birth without medical intervention, make sure your birth plan is clear and that your doctor, midwife, doula, or other support people know how you want your labor to go.

You can also choose to attend childbirth education classes, alone or with someone, to learn what to expect, as well as pain management and relaxation techniques. Be sure to practice these techniques to find the ones that work best for you.

Watch a video of natural childbirth with exciting scenes below:



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