Is Natural Birth Right for Me?

Pregnant, or thinking about becoming pregnant? You’re on an exciting journey. However, exciting journeys often require a lot of education and thoughtful decisions.

That includes the birthing process that’s right for you. Many women undergo natural birth; Nicole Johnson, CNM, Avera certified midwife, unpacks details about the natural birthing process.

Your chosen pregnancy and delivery team will provide education and offer recommendations to help you personalize your care.

What is natural birth?

Natural birth can be described in two ways: for some women, a natural birth is a vaginal birth; for other women, a natural birth is a birth that occurs without medications for pain or interventions outside of the natural process.

What are the benefits of natural birth?

Natural birth has many benefits for both mom and baby.

More Movement

Giving birth naturally often requires position changes by mom to progress labor. Women who can move around can help progress the labor and are at less risk for baby being in a difficult position.

Better Pain Management

More movement can also ease pain. Your body makes natural endorphins to help you manage the pain associated with birth; an epidural or pain medication affects that feedback loop meaning less good endorphins for you and baby.

Better Recovery

You may experience an easier recovery with a natural birth. For example, if you and your baby needed a cesarean birth, your recovery could be longer as you had surgery and also gave birth.

What if my pregnancy or birth ends up being more complicated?

Most laboring mothers are good candidates for natural birth. Even if you need some intervention into the labor process, natural birth is still possible.

The most important thing is being open to the process and what is right for you; for example:

• Some circumstances make medications more necessary, like a long labor with little rest.
• Other scenarios — such as a baby in breech position (coming bottom or feet first instead of head first), or your baby not tolerating labor well — could mean you may need a C-section.

How do I choose the right provider for my birthing experience?

Every provider has a different practice style and, depending on their training, may manage higher-risk mothers who may not be a candidate for a natural vaginal birth. It’s important you find the right provider for your birthing experience, whether that’s a family practice physician, an OB-GYN or a CNM.

Certified nurse midwives specialize in normal deliveries and can be a great addition to your care team if you desire a natural birth.

How can I prepare for natural birth?

Learning as much as you can helps reduce fear and anxiety about the birth process and your options. Look into comfort measures and breathing techniques associated with labor and delivery.

Comfort Measures

Help your body relax by utilizing any of the following:

• Comfort positions include rocking or swaying back and forth, getting on hands and knees, squatting — any position that relieves pressure and discomfort. Birth balls and squat bars are available to help.
• A gentle full-back massage can alleviate pain.
• Guided imagery, music, lavender aromatherapy, hydrotherapy or LED candlelight can support labor.

Breathing Techniques

In belly breathing, put your hand on your tummy, take a breath and exhale through the mouth, allowing your belly to push your hand out. Another popular technique is pant-pant-blow; take a deep breath through your nose and exhale through your mouth in two short pants and one long blow — “he-he-hoooo.”

Where can I learn more about my birthing options?

Talk to your provider, your childbirth educator, your friends and family. Read books and articles. The insight you gain will assist you in deciding which options you are comfortable using.