Natural Childbirth

Natural Childbirth

Having natural childbirth is an empowering magical experience for a woman. Birth is not a medical procedure but a natural process that should be embraced. There are numerous benefits to unmedicated birth both for the mother and the baby. They can truly experience and bond with each other the way nature intended. Mothers feel more in control and far more comfortable in a place that is familiar and peaceful. There isn’t fluorescent lights and a bland environment with strangers running around poking and prodding your most intimate parts. Natural babies are born alert and active and can easily follow survival instincts to root around for mother’s breast and feed. Drugs and intervention increase the chances of a snowball effect of complications. The medical wisdom is that an epidural will provide pain relief. While that may be true for some, drugs often slow labor down, increase chances of a cesarean, the mother becomes less in control of movements and the medication is passed through the placenta to the baby. Read more about Why have a natural childbirth?

Childbirth is a sacred time and you’ll want to know your in good hands. Find a midwife or doctor you respect, trust and can openly communicate with. Doulas are another great source of physical, emotional and informational support. They mother the mother. Find a Doula near you. Also going to a childbirth class can be very beneficial.

It’s vital to have a plan of what you want during labor and birth and make sure all parties involved are aware of your wishes. Even if you end up in a hospital or birth center, you want to make sure you know your options. Take the time to tour other birth sites just in case you might have to deliver there. You’ll also want to create a birth plan and copy it to give to anyone attending the birth. The more aware they are to your desires, the more supportive they can help you to achieve your goal of natural childbirth. Create a birth plan.

Once you’ve given birth, doctors often times get in a hurry to cut the cord and clean up your baby. There’s no need to rush any of this along, unless of course there’s complications. The umbilical cord holds essential blood that belongs to the baby. If the cord is clamped to soon, this blood will be lost and could damage the infant’s health. It’s best to wait until the newborn has taken several breaths and the cord stops pulsing. Better yet, wait until the placenta is birthed. It is protocol for birth practitioners to administer a vitamin K shot, along with putting drops into the babies eyes. Be aware that neither of these are necessary unless you are at risk. Read more about vitamin K injections. and eye ointment Some practitioners want to give babies a bath, and this is also unnecessary. A soft cloth can remove any blood and you can use your hands to gently massage the vernix into the babies skin. This is nature’s cleaner and moisturizer.

Whichever method and place you choose to give birth, it is essential to know what to expect and how to deal with various situations. Train for birth and have a plan and a backup plan to help insure your wishes are carried out. Natural childbirth is the best way to bring your baby into the world.

Information Resources:
Find a MIDWIFE in your area.
More information and answers to specific questions on natural childbirth visit the natural chldbirth organization.

Episiotomy during childbirth—no benefit, much damage
Healthfacts, July, 2005

Birth Stories, /Labor guide

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