Pain is a very relative subject: what might be unbearable for me may not be so for someone else, since everyone copes with certain situations differently and for different reasons. Besides, it’s common to hear stories of mothers who gave birth naturally without any pain, in just a few minutes.
We all know that natural birth hurts a lot and is a relatively painful procedure. But we also know that many women have gone through the experience, coped very well, and wish to have their next children the same way.
For those who do not tolerate pain as well, there is the option (some maternity hospitals do not give an option, they simply administer it) of receiving epidural analgesia, which will reduce the pain. With this, the mother can recover the strength lost during contractions and regain her breath for the pushing stage1.
Something essential for a woman to go through this experience without coming out traumatized saying that natural birth hurts a lot is to know her body well. Being prepared and, especially, not being alone during birth—the presence of your partner or a family member—is fundamental to provide reassurance to the future mom. Not to mention that dad can help with relaxing massages or simply by holding her hand during this very important moment. See some natural birth videos online for inspiration.
Nowadays, there are many options for a more “comfortable” natural birth. Some maternity hospitals provide humanized birthing suites, with bathtubs, ambient music, and allow the presence of family.
Other options include birthing centers and also home birth, which has been growing significantly year after year, accompanied by specialized doulas. Obviously, the follow-up should always be done with specialized doctors prepared to perform this type of delivery. Immersion baths, walking, and relaxing massages are great suggestions for labor and can help bring calm to the mother. Some even turn to acupuncture2, which has also been shown to be very beneficial and considerably reduces pain and discomfort during this period.
Advantages of Natural Birth for Mom and Baby
We already know that natural birth is painful but bearable, but what about the advantages and benefits it brings to both mother and baby? Natural birth offers many benefits to both, as the recovery is almost immediate after birth3. For the mother, advantages include a shorter hospital stay, lower risk of infection, and immediate milk production after the baby is born. In addition, the uterus returns to normal faster than with a C-section.
For the baby, the benefits are even greater. For example, there are benefits for breathing because, while passing through the birth canal, the baby’s lungs are compressed, which forces out the fluid inside and helps the baby breathe more easily. In natural birth, the baby is born without a set date, on the day they are ready and want to come out. This way, everything happens naturally, with the serenity and calm that this moment truly deserves—so worrying whether natural birth hurts a lot or not is not ideal at this stage. It’s better to focus on the benefits that natural birth brings, even with some pain. The baby can and should be placed on the mother’s chest right after birth, with skin-to-skin contact even before the umbilical cord is cut—this calms the baby, and the mother can breastfeed for the first time at this moment.
Can Any Woman Have a Natural Birth?
During prenatal care the woman should have proper check-ups every month, complete all requested tests, and if no health issue is found that could put the mother or baby in danger, or any infection that could be transmitted during delivery, nothing will prevent natural birth from happening.
Unfortunately, some doctors recommend C-sections for reasons that would not cause any problems and would not interfere with a normal birth. That’s why it is essential to fully trust the obstetrician following your prenatal care—and if in doubt or feeling uncertain, switch doctors.
Ask for recommendations from those who have just had a baby; this way, it is easier to avoid finding C-section-prone doctors and have the birth you’ve dreamed of and expected—and of course, avoid unnecessary C-sections. Natural birth hurts a lot for some women, but for others, it may not hurt as much. It’s worth figuring out if you are more sensitive to pain than other women.
See also: All About Natural Birth – Does the Umbilical Cord Interfere?
Photo: george ruiz
