5 Amazing Reasons To Have A Natural Birth!
I know an unmedicated natural birth can seem really intimidating, and it’s certainly a commitment if that’s the route you choose for yourself. But once you find out about the benefits and decide that’s what feels right to you, the next step is just adjusting your mindset to prepare yourself!
Labor is definitely a physical process, but I and many other birth professionals of all roles will tell you- IT’S A MENTAL MARATHON!
Which is why I want to list out the amazing reasons to have a natural birth, so that you can look forward to them and remember what you’re doing it for when the moment comes.
Because you can absolutely do this and deserve the birth of your dreams.
Reason #1 For A Natural Birth: Shorter Labor
When I hear people talk about being in labor for over 24 hours, I have many questions.
The first question is: “Was your labor induced?”
The second question is: “Did you choose the epidural?”
When a primipara goes into spontaneous labor, she’ll usually have her baby within 12-24 hours. But if she’s being induced, it can last days…
It’s not her fault if she agreed to an induction that wasn’t medically necessary! Her doctor most likely didn’t have a discussion with her about the risks and benefits, they probably just scheduled it and she trusted it was in her best interest.
When she probably could have waited a few more days and read about how to Induce Labor Naturally.
And it most definitely wasn’t her fault if there was a medical reason for inducing labor.
There’s also no shame in choosing the epidural, but it is notorious for slowing things down. Especially if you get it too early!
Reason #2 For A Natural Birth: Lower Risk For Cascade of Interventions
When that Mom was induced, her contractions were a lot more intense due to the use of Pitocin which led her to choosing the Epidural fairly early in the process, which led to fluids, continuous monitoring, little to no movement because she had to stay in bed, and possibly more serious interventions that can result in cesarean.
This is what’s known as The Cascade of Interventions.
Some interventions are great tools to have in your tool belt! But way too often, certain interventions are over-used and unnecessary.
When you’re making decisions during your labor, remember to always use your BRAIN!
Benefits. Risks. Alternatives. Intuition. No/Not right now.
Reason #3 For Natural Birth: Motion is Lotion
This is actually most people’s number 1 reason for choosing to have an unmedicated/natural birth.
It’s no secrets you can’t get out of bed once you have the epidural! Being bed-ridden can lead to labor stalling, prolonged labor (which increases risk of infection and hemorrhage) swelling, and anxiety from not being able to move your body.
Being able to get up and move can help relieve discomfort, speed things up and help you feel like you’re in more control.
You can also get into any position you want for pushing. Which means you can push in an upright position! This can help you avoid damage to your perineum and the pelvic floor.
You can read more about how to avoid tearing, here.
Physical Activities For Progression and Comfort During a Natural Birth:
- Change Positions every 30 minutes to an hour!:
- Walking: Helps gravity assist the baby’s descent and can stimulate contractions.
- Squatting: Opens the pelvis and can help the baby move down.
- Kneeling or Hands-and-Knees Position: Can relieve back pain and help the baby rotate to a better position.
- Use a Birth Ball:
- Sitting on a birth ball and gently bouncing or rocking can help open the pelvis and encourage the baby to move down.
- Hydrotherapy:
- Take a warm shower or bath to help relax your muscles and provide comfort.
- Massage and Counter-Pressure:
- Having a partner or doula provide massage, especially on the lower back, while you lean over the ball can help relieve tension and pain.
- Counter-pressure applied to the lower back can be particularly effective for back labor.
Reason #4 For Natural Birth: Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding after a natural birth can enhance the bonding experience because you’re able to get that immediate skin-to-skin time during The Golden Hour and none of your hormone receptors have been messed with!
Without the influence of medication, both mother and baby are typically more alert and responsive right after birth, facilitating a natural and instinctive latch.
(This is not to say you won’t be able to breastfeed if you choose an epidural or your labor is induced! It’s just more common to need the assistance of a Lactation Consultant. If you find yourself struggling, please reach out to one!)
Reason #5 For Natural Birth: Postpartum Recovery
You’ll hear mothers and some birth workers say that having a natural birth makes the physical part of postpartum recovery a lot easier but there are no studies showing this to be true! I’ve looked high and low, the studies have been done… But the results don’t back up what’s being said about physical recovery.
I have noticed a decrease in damage to the pelvic floor and perineum, because they were able to push properly! So that CAN be a reason people say that.
But I just want to make it clear: There are no studies backing it up.
Mainly, there’s a difference in how my clients are feeling emotionally.
My Mamas that have multiple kids all end up telling me something along the lines of “This birth is hands down my favorite experience. MUCH HARDER! But I’ve never been more proud of myself and everything seems to be coming more instinctually with my baby.”
Postpartum mood disorders are less common when a new mother feels good about her birthing experience!
Things To Remember!
It wouldn’t be right for me to share the benefits and none of the risks. In order for you to truly make empowered decisions, you need ALL of the information!
Potential risks can include:
- Distress – For some people, anxiety and stress or just plain exhaustion are just too much without some kind of pain management like IV medications or the epidural.
- Abnormal Pain – Childbirth is a different type of pain. While most of the time, it’s just your body and baby doing their thing, something else could cause abnormal pain. If your labor pains are particularly strong, they may keep you from being able to cope with your intended comfort measures.
- You might NEED interventions – If you get too attached to your birth plan, an intervention like the epidural, Pitocin or a cesarean might feel devastating.
So, a natural birth may not be possible for everyone!
If you have a medical condition or your pregnancy has been deemed high risk, your care team may recommend against a natural birth in order to ensure the safety of you and your baby.
Get Started Preparing For Your Birth!
You may have heard tales of birth painted as fearful, agonizing, and beyond your influence!
But let me share the real story of childbirth with you.
