Preparing for Natural Childbirth
photo credit: Larsz
In the majority of cases, a natural childbirth (meaning vaginal and unmedicated) is the best option for having a healthy delivery. It also means that you will be lucid and ready to see, hold and nurse you baby as soon as he o she is born. While most women plan on having a natural childbirth, many change their minds when the pain gets intense. If you really want to have a natural childbirth, but aren’t sure you’ll stick with it, try these methods for preparing for natural childbirth.
A Conscious Choice
The first step in succeeding in natural childbirth is to make your decision and be confident about it. You’ve probably heard someone say (or said it yourself) that they’re going to “try” to have a natural childbirth. Saying you’ll try shows no commitment or confidence in your decision. Instead of “trying” natural childbirth; state that you are “going to go natural”. Being confident that this is what your want to do is actually a big step in making the labor bearable. If you expect you’ll be in horrible pain, you’re more likely to actually be in pain.
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Get Support
If you are really serious about natural childbirth and are not considered a high-risk pregnancy, you may want to consider hiring people to help to deliver your baby that are more likely to support you choice to give birth naturally. Instead of having a doctor, you can use a midwife. Midwives are more supportive of natural childbirth, and they have experience helping moms birth naturally. You may also want to consider hiring a doula. They are basically a paid, naturalistic child birthing coach. When you have someone there reminding you why you made the decision of natural childbirth and encouraging you to continue, sticking with it is much easier.
Get Educated
Most people who have, or are trying to have a natural birth end up taking some kind of birthing class, such as Lamaze, Bradley or other classes. These courses teach you how to use relaxing breathing and other pain management techniques to get through the labor naturally.
Environment Matters
Once you get into the delivery room if you’re birthing in hospital, make sure everyone is aware of your wish to have a natural childbirth. You can instruct doctors not to use interventions unless they are medically necessary. You may want to consider a natural birth at home if you’re a low-risk category. A woman’s perception of pain is different when she is at home and able to control her experience more.
Birth Stories
Another excellent tip is to read birth stories and books on preparing for natural childbirth. The purpose of this is to expose yourself to childbirth as a family event and rite of passage, not a medical event or emergency. Click here for examples.
If you want to have a natural childbirth, you need to prepare yourself, your environment and your support system. Your own commitment to natural childbirth, as well as the practical support of your health care givers – even where you give birth – all have a role in how your labor will go. As long as you have an uncomplicated birth, if you follow the above suggestions, then your dream of a natural childbirth will come true.
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